-UBRAE 


» 


FROM 


VlCKSBURG  TO  RALEIGH; 

OS, 

A  COMPLETE  HISTORY 


gfgitttcut  gnfliana'^oluntw  gnfcwtry, 


CAMPAIGNS  OF  GRANT  AND  SHERMAN, 


WITH 


AN    OUTLINE    OF    THE    GREAT    REBELLION. 


BT  M.  D.  GAGE,  CHAPLAIN. 


CHICAGO: 

CLARKE    A    CO.,    PUBLISHERS. 

1865. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  In  the  year  1865, 

BY    M.  D.   GAGE, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Conrt  of  the  United  States, 
for  the  Northern  District  of  Illinois. 


BOBTON  *  T.ZOXAKD, 

PRINTERS, 

CHICAGO. 


CHICAGO  TTP«  JOUNDBT: 
J.  CONAHAN. 

0TKBXOTTPSB. 


i  a  MC 


DEDICATION. 


TO  THE 

SURVIVING  MEMBERS  OF  THE  REGIMENT, 

WHOSE  SERVICES 

ARE  HEREIN  RECORDED, 

AND  TO  THE 

J'ruubs  of  t(jeir  ^allta  Comrabts, 

THIS  VOLUME 

IS  AFFECTIONATELY  INSCRIBED, 

BY 

THE  AUTHOR. 


PREFACE. 


This  unpretending  volume  is  prepared   at   the   urgent 
solicitation  of  the  officers  and  men  of  the  Regiment,  whose 
services  it  records.     The  author  offers  no  apology  for  ad- 
£i  ding  to   the  long  list  of   books  with  which    the  press  is 
^  teeming,  upon  the  subject  of  our  recent  struggle  for  the 
3»  permanency  of  free  institutions.     The  field  of  thought  and 
M   range  of  topics  are  so  wide  that  a  record  of  individual  ex- 
perience  and   observation,  as  well  as  the  movements  of 
<>»    armies,  will  command  attention,  since  all  well  understand 
tf>   that  the  glory  of  our  arms  has  been  secured  through  the 
o    efficiency  of  the  individual  soldier,  under  subordinate  com- 
manders.    While  our  great  leaders  and  their  noble  armies 
are  exalted  to  the  highest  position  of  honor,  it  will  not  be 
O   deemed  presumptuous  for  the  various  sub-divisions  of  those 
^   armies  to  claim  their  right  to  be  heard.     The  object  of 
[    this  volume  is  to  present  the  outline  of  the  operations  in 
w    the  Valley  of  the  Mississippi  and  in  the  several  Cotton 
5    States,  in  which  the  Twelfth  Indiana  Volunteer  Infantry 
<     participated.      If   the    numerous   friends    of  the   Indiana 
soldiers  are  led  to  appreciate  their  services  more  fully  by 
reading  this  volume,  the  aim  of  the  author  will  be  secured. 
CHICAGO,  August  28th,  1865. 


CONTENTS. 


Page. 
Introduction, 9 

CHAPTER  I. 
Organization  and  Service  on  the  Potomac, 15 

CHAPTER  II. 
Reorganization  and  Service  iu  Kentucky, 23 

CHAPTER  IIL 
Campaign  in  Northern  Mississippi, „ 80 

CHAPTER  IV. 
Retrospect  of  the  Year, 41 

CHAPTER  V. 
The  Coming  of  the  Mail, 51 

CHAPTER  VI. 
Winter  Quarters  at  Grand  Junction, 56 

CHAPTER  VIL 
Camp  at  Fort  Loomis, „.„.„ 68 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
The  Vicksburg  Campaign, „..„ 75 

CHAPTER  IX. 
The  Jackson  Campaign, „ ^. 91 

CHAPTER  X. 
Rest  at  Camp  Sherman, 103 

CHAPTER  XI. 
The  Chattanooga  Campaign, 116 

CHAPTER  XII. 
Belief  of  Knoxville 147 


Vlll  CONTENTS. 

•Page. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
Winter  Quarters  at  Scottsboro, 162 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
The  Atlanta  Campaign .• 177 

CHAPTER  V. 
Battle  of  Rcsaca 189 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
Battle  of  Dallas, 200 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
Battle  of  Keneeaw  Mountain, 207 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 
Battle  of  Atlanta, 214 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
Battle  of  Ezra  Church 222 

CHAPTER  XX. 
.     Battle  of  Jonesboro, 238 

CHAPTER  XXI. 
Camp  at  East  Point, 244 

CHAPTER  XXII. 
Pursuit  of  Hood, .- 251 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 
The  Savannah  Campaign, 258 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 
The  South  Carolina  Campaign, 270 

CHAPTER  XXV. 
Battle  of  Bentonville, 295 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 
Advance  upon  Raleigh, 303 

CHAPTER  XXVIL 
Homeward  Bound, 318 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 
Conclusion, 318 

Regimental  Register, 323 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  record  of  the  Civil  War  in  America  is  destined  to 
occupy  a  conspicuous  place  in  the  history  of  human  events. 
To  have  shared  in  the  mighty  struggle,  now  closed  in  the 
triumph  of  our  arms,  will  ever  be  regarded  as  a  distin- 
guished honor.  The  inception,  progress,  and  final  results 
of  the  Great  Rebellion  entitle  it  to  a  high  rank  in  the  long 
and  fearful  catalogue  of  wars  that  have  drenched  the  earth 
in  blood. 

The  important  lesson  inculcated  by  a  careful  review  of 
the  conflict  is  the  permanency  of  republican  institutions 
and  the  self-preserving  power  of  a  free  people.  This  les- 
son is  written  in  living  characters,  for  the  instruction  of 
the  nations  of  the  earth.  The  monarchs  of  Europe  may 
no  longer  hope  to  see  the  republican  form  of  government 
set  aside  as  impracticable.  The  capacity  of  a  representa- 
tive democracy  to  resist  and  suppress  insurrection  and 
rebellion  against  the  constituted  authority  of  the  people 
has  been  fully  tested  and  triumphantly  established.  No 
other  form  of  government  could  have  so  successfully  de- 
fended the  life  of  the  nation,  when  assailed  by  an  insurrec- 
tionary faction  possessing  the  combination  of  numbers, 


X  INTRODUCTION. 

resources,  and  unity  of  purpose  which  characterized  the 
revolted  States  of  the  Federal  Union. 

Preceding  events  only  serve  to  show  more  clearly  the 
reserved  power  of  a  free  people  to  repel  the  assaults  of 
internal  foes.  The  long  list  of  treasonable  acts  committed 
by  the  Cabinet  of  Mr.  Buchanan,  and  the  imbecility  of  the 
Executive  himself,  afforded  the  insurgents  every  facility  for 
the  accomplishment  of  their  well-matured  plans.  While 
great  advantages  ware  thus  secured  to  the  foul  conspiracy, 
and  the  power  of  the  Government  was  almost  paralyzed  by 
the  withdrawal  of  arms  into  the  seceded  States  and  the 
dispersion  of  the  fleet  in  distant  seas,  the  ready  acceptance 
by  the  people  of  the  issue  presented,  of  war  for  the  main- 
tenance of  the  Union  or  peaceable  secession,  furnished  a 
most  conclusive  evidence  of  the  conscious  strength  of  the 
nation.  The  gross  abuse  of  power  by  those  entrusted  with 
the  administration  of  the  Government  roused  the  love  of 
liberty  in  every  loyal  heart  and  fired  the  masses  with  an 
unalterable  determination  to  preserve  the  national  integ- 
rity. On  the  displacement  of  the  treacherous  Executive 
and  Cabinet,  by  men  of  inflexible  principle  and  tried  devo- 
tion to  the  interests  of  the  country,  the  public  heart  beat 
in  glad  response  to  every  call  of  duty,  and  nerved  the 
people  to  meet  all  the  emergencies  of  the  long  and  bloody 
struggle  that  ensued.  Thus,  while  the  gigantic  arm  of 
rebellion  found  us  almost  powerless  for  immediate  resist- 
ance, it  stimulated  the  exercise  of  a.ll  the  skill  and  energy 
of  the  nation,  in  busy  preparation  for  the  inevitable  con- 
flict, with  the  firm  purpose  to  wrest  from  the  insurgents 
their  usurped  power,  and  strike  quick  and  vigorous  blows 
when  fully  armed  for  battle.  That  purpose  is  accomplished, 


INTRODUCTION.  XI 

and  the  great  question  concerning  the  vitality  of  our 
free  republic  is  satisfactorily  answered.  The  problem  is 
solved,  and  in  its  solution  the  nation  has  practically 
exemplified  the  loftiest  principles  in  the  science  of 
government. 

Another  prominent  feature  of  the  national  character, 
developed  in  the  hour  of  trial,  is  the  capacity  to  meet 
and  conquer  covert  treason  at  the  ballot  box,  while  sup- 
pressing armed  rebellion  on  the  battle  field.  The  moral 
influence  of  our  triumph  over  the  sympathizers  with  trea- 
son in  the  North  can  scarcely  be  over-estimated.  The 
darkest  hour  in  the  day  of  our  affliction  was  that  in  which 
Northern  demagogues  were  seeking  to  array  the  State 
Legislatures  in  opposition  to  the  war  policy  of  the  Admin- 
istration. The  result  of  their  success  would  have  been  the 
ruin  of  our  cause.  With  the  public  heart  cut  off  from  the 
governmental  head,  by  the  interposition  of  disloyal  State 
legislation,  the  hands  of  our  brave  men  would  have  been 
palsied,  and  treason  would  have  triumphed  through  the 
agency  of  our  professed  friends.  The  army  penetrated  the 
designs  of  these  base  deceivers,  and  aided  tlie  people,  in 
the  use  of  the  elective  franchise,  to  cast  down  the  idolaters' 
Dagon  before  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  in  which  were  de- 
posited the  sacred  rights  of  man.  The  slimy  folds  of  the 
serpent  were  unmasked,  and  the  hateful  "Copperhead" 
was  revealed  to  the  public  eye  in  all  his  loathesome  repul- 
siveness.  Shrinking  back  into  the  dark  recesses  of  crime, 
whence  he  came  to  deceive  the  people  with  the  apple  of 
discord,  he  saw  the  mighty  power  of  the  Government, 
under  the  guidance  of  the  immortal  Lincoln,  brought  to 
bear  upon  the  hosts  of  treason,  as  our  great  chieftains, 


Xll  INTRODUCTION. 

Grant,  Sherman,  Sheridan  and  Thomas,  with  their  noble 
armies,  crushed  their  enemies  in  the  dust,  and  restored 
peace  to  the  land  amidst  the  applause  of  a  loyal  people. 

The  hour  of  our  triumph  was  succeeded  by  the  deepest 
sorrow.  Scarcely  had  the  sound  of  rejoicing  over  our 
great  victories  been  heard  in  the  land,  when  all  hearts 
were  filled  with  grief  and  indignation  at  the  fall  of  our 
noble  President.  At  the  very  brink  of  Jordan,  beyond 
which  lay  the  Canaan  of  peace,  upon  whose  beauteous 
prospect  he  gazed  with  gratitude  to  God,  the  great  leader 
of  the  people,  like  Moses  on  Pisgah's  summit,  died,  and  a 
nation  mourned  his  loss  no  less  sincerely  than  did  Israel 
on  the  day  of  their  deliverer's  death.  He  had  led  his 
people  through  the  wilderness  of  rebellion,  bearing  pati- 
ently all  the  murmurings  of  those  who  could  not  under- 
stand the  purity  of  his  motives.  He  had  performed  no 
miracles,  but  he  had  struck  the  chains  of  slavery  from  the 
necks  of  four  millions  of  bondmen.  For  this  he  was  up- 
braided by  the  blind  devotees  of  the  Baal  of  African 
slavery.  He  fell  by  the  hand  of  one  of  those  base  idolaters, 
at  the  very  zenith  of  his  fame.  "  Then  you,  and  I,  and  all 
of  us  fell  down,  and  bloody  treason  triumphed  over  us." 
Thousands  of  homes  had  ere  this  been  involved  in  sorrow 
for  the  heroes  slain  in  battle,  but  no  such  grief  had  ever 
visited  the  nation.  "  There  was  not  a  house  where  there 
was  not  one  dead,"  for  Abraham  Lincoln  was  the  friend  of 
the  people,  and  in  his  sudden  and  tragic  death  all  who 
loved  their  country  lost  a  heaven-sent  protector.  As 
Washington  is  the  acknowledged  Father  of  his  country, 
so  is  Lincoln  her  Saviour.  Side  by  side  they  will  abide  in 
the  hearts  of  their  countrymen,  and  of  generations  to 


INTRODUCTION.  Xlll 

come,  and  the  world  shall  own  them  peers  in  all  that 
renders  man  an  object  of  universal  esteem  and  affectionate 
remembrance. 

The  complete  history  of  the  Great  Rebellion  must  be 
written  by  the  future  historian.  The  important  results  of 
our  struggle  for  the  maintenance  of  civil  and  religious 
liberty  in  our  land,  and  for  its  extension  throughout  the 
world,  cannot  be  fully  appreciated  at  the  present  day. 
Great  events  attain  their  just  proportions  when  seen  from 
afar,  as  the  mountains  rear  their  majestic  heads  above  the 
the  clouds,  and  become  objects  of  sublime  contemplation 
when  viewed  at  a  distance.  As  the  traveler  upon  the 
mountain  side,  while  the  summit  is  hidden  from  his  view, 
and  the  proportions  of  the  whole  scene  are  not  discovera- 
ble, gathers  the  details  which  help  to  form  a  full  descrip- 
tion, so  may  we  who  have  shared  in  the  conflicts  and 
triumphs  of  the  struggle  now  closed,  record  the  results  of 
our  experience  and  observation  for  the  use  of  the  future 
historian. 

The  philosophy  of  the  history  will  more  fully  appear  in 
the  results  of  our  success,  as  the  future  shall  develop  them. 
The  specific  value  of  our  triumph  must  be  measured  by 
our  advancement  in  social,  moral  and  religious  influence. 
Our  honor  will  depend  upon  the  formation  of  correct 
sentiment.  It  will  be  of  little  avail  that  we  have  subdued 
armed  treason,  if  we  are  ourselves  conquered  by  vice. 
The  influence  of  our  returned  volunteers  will  constitute  an 
important  element  of  social  and  national  character.  Four 
years  of  civil  strife  should  not  impair  the  social  fabric,  but 
strengthen  the  foundations  of  virtue  and  intelligence, 


XIV  INTRODUCTION. 

and  stimulate  all  classes  to  nobler  efforts  for  distinction. 
Thus,  alone,  shall  we  be  qualified  to  vindicate  the  right 
and  attain  to  the  full  dignity  of  citizens  of  a  free  govern- 
ment, restrained  only  by  Constitutional  and  self-imposed 
obligations. 


VICKSBUEG  TO  RALEIGH, 


HAPTER  I. 


ORGANIZATION,  AND  SERVICE  ON  THE  POTOMAC. 

The  nomination  of  Abraham  Lincoln  for  the 
Presidency  of  the  United  States,  in  June,  1860, 
and  his  triumphant  election  in  November  follow- 
ing, upon  the  popular  principle  of  non-extension  of 
slavery  into  the  territories,  was  made  the  occasion 
of  secession  from  the  Union,  by  eleven  of  the  slave 
States,  South  Carolina  taking  the  lead,  immedi- 
ately after  the  result  of  the  election  was  known. 
The  mischievous  doctrine  of  State  Rights,  incul- 
cated by  Calhoun  and  a  large  class  of  extremists 
who  succeeded  him,  like  a  delusive  phantom,  lured 
those  States  from  their  allegiance  to  the  Constitu- 
tion and  laws  of  the  Union,  to  engage  in  the  Uto- 
pian scheme  of  founding  a  Southern  Confederacy, 
based  upon  the  declared  right  of  capital  to  own  the 
labor  of  the  subject  African  race. 


16  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

The  gathering  storm  roused  the  anxieties  of  the 
people  of  the  free  States,  who  beheld,  with  deep 
indignation,  the  craven  spirit  of  the  Chief  Execu- 
tive of  the  nation,  who  made  no  honorable  effort 
to  arrest  the  progress  of  the  conspiracy.  In  this 
condition  of  affairs  Mr.  Lincoln  succeeded  Mr.  Bu- 
chanan, deeply  conscious  of  the  vast  responsibility 
imposed  upon  him.  ~No  wisdom  or  firmness  could 
at  that  time  stay  the  fierce  storm  of  passion  engen- 
dered in  the  revolted  States,  and,  after  vigorous 
preparation,  the  insurgents  inaugurated  the  conflict 
by  Un  attack  on  Fort  Sumter,  April  12th,  1861. 
After  a  gallant  defense,  the  garrison  was  surren- 
dered to  General  Beauregard,  by  Major  Robert 
Anderson,  April  14th.  The  intelligence  of  this 
event  caused  intense  excitement  throughout  the 
country,  and  was  immediately  succeeded  by  a  call 
of  the  Executive,  for  75,000  men,  to  serve  three 
months.  The  quotas  of  the  several  States  were 
promptly  filled,  and  large  numbers  volunteered  in 
excess  of  the  call,  who  were  returned  to  their 
homes. 

The  promptness  of  Indiana  was  equal  to  that  of 
her  sister  States.  Jefferson  Davis,  of  Mississippi, 
had  been  placed  at  the  head  of  the  newly  organized 
Southern  Confederacy,  as  President  and  Command- 
er-in-chief of  the  insurgent  forces.  Smarting  un- 
der the  unjust  imputation  of  cowardice,  cast  upon 
the  Indiana  troops  by  Jefferson  Davis,  at  Buena 


ORGANIZATION.  17 

Vista,  in  1847,  the  people  of  the  State  were  stimu- 
lated to  avenge  the  insult.  One  regiment  took  a 
solemn  oath,  on  bended  knee,  at  the  State  Capitol 
to  wipe  out  the  dishonor.  Nobly  has  the  pledge 
been  fiulfilled  by  150,000  Indiauians,  on  nearly 
every  battle-field  from  the  Potomac  to  the  Rio 
Grande.  Indiana  has  cause  for  pride  in  review  of 
the  achievements  of  her  sons  during  the  great  con- 
flict. Her  noble  Governor  has  earned  for  himself 
a  brilliant  reputation,  and  all  our  sister  States  point 
to  him  as  an  example  of  earnest  devotion  to  the 
interests  of  the  noble  men  who  have  achieved  last- 
ing honors  in  the  service  of  their  country.  The 
blessings  of  heaven  and  the  gratitude  of  the  people 
have  been  dispensed  to  those  who  have  placed  the 
character  of  the  State  among  the  foremost  in  the 
strife.  To  those  who  represented  the  loyalty  of 
Indiana  on  the  field  of  battle  the  remembrance  of 
her  glorious  record  is  peculiarly  precious. 

The  quota  for  the  Sate,  under  the  call  of  the 
President,  was  six  regiments,  of  the  minimum 
strength.  These  were  speedily  organized,  armed 
and  equipped,  and  sent  to  the  scene  of  hostilities 
in  Western  Virginia.  They  were  numbered  as  fol- 
lows: Sixth,  Seventh,  Eighth,  l^inth,  Tenth  and 
Eleventh  Indiana  Volunteer  Infantry.  The  spirit 
of  volunteering  continued  after  the  quotas  were 
filled.  To  provide  against  incursions  from  Ken- 
tucky, which  State  was  then  a  field  of  contending 


18  VICKSBUKG   TO   RALEIGH. 

factions,  the  Legislature,  in  extra  session,  provided 
for  the  defense  of  the  State,  and  Governor  Morton 
called  for  several  regiments  for  State  service.  The 
Twelfth  and  Sixteenth  Indiana  Volunteer  Infantry 
were  accepted,  under  this  call,  for  one  year,  and 
assigned  to  duty  on  the  Ohio  River.  The  interme- 
diate regiments,  viz :  the  Thirteenth,  Fourteenth 
and  Fifteenth,  were  organized  for  three  years,  un- 
der the  call  of  the  President  for  300,000  troops. 
The  Twelfth  Indiana  was  accepted  by  the  State 
May  5th,  1861.  The  following  is  the  Roster  of  the 
Regiment : 

Colonel — JOHN  M.  WALLACB. 
Lieutenant  Colonel — WILLIAM.  H.  LINK. 
Major — GEORGE  HUMPHREYS. 
Surgeon — WILLIAM  LOMAX. 
Quartermaster' — M.  R.  DIXON. 

Co.  A — Captain,  Thomas  J.  Morrison ;  1st  Lieutenant,  John 
Moore ;  2nd  Lieutenant,  John  Cox. 

Co.  B — Captain,  Thomas  Noel ;  1st  Lieutenant,  Sol  D.  Kemp- 
ton  ;  2nd  Lieutenant ;  James  Huston. 

Co.  C — Captain,  James  Bachman ;  1st  Lieutenant,  Michael 
Kirchner ;  2nd  Lieutenant, Wallace. 

Co.  D — Captain,  William  O'Brian;  1st  Lieutenant,  Mc- 

Cole ;  2nd  Lieutenant,  J.  T.  Floyd. 

Co.  E — Captain,  Henry  Hubler ;  1st  Lieutenant,  A.  P.  Galla- 
gher ;  2nd  Lieutenant,  Reuben  Williams. 

Co.  F — Captain,  George  Nelson  ;  1st  Lieutenant,  0.  N.  Hinkle ; 
2nd  Lieutenant,  John  M.  Godown. 

Co.  G — Captain,  A.  W.  Reed;  1st  Lieutenant,  William  Angel; 
2nd  Lieutenant,  Elbert  D.  Baldwin. 


ORGANIZATION.  19 

Co.  H — Captain,  Thomas  Doane;  1st  Lieutenant,  George  W. 
Steele;  2nd  Lieutenant,  William  Wallace. 

Co.  I — Captain,  H.  B.  Thompson ;  1st  Lieutenant,  Alexander 
Buchanan  ;  2nd  Lieutenant,  William  Wood. 

Co.  K — Captain,  James  F.  Draper ;  1st  Lieutenant,  Benjamin 
Ayers ;  2nd  Lieutenant, Dixon. 

The  following  promotions  were  made  during  the 
term  of  service : 

Lieutenant  Colonel  "William  H.  Link,  to  Colonel, 
vice  Wallace,  resigned,  Aug.  6th,  1861. 

Major  George  Humphreys,  to  Lieutenant  Colo- 
nel, vice  Link,  promoted,  Aug.  6th,  1861. 

Captain  Henry  Hubler,  Co.  E,  to  Major,  vice 
Humphreys,  promoted,  Aug.  6th  1861. 

1st  Lieutenant  Reuben  Williams,  Co.  E,  to  Cap- 
tain, vice  Hubler,  promoted,  Aug.  6th,  1861. 

1st  Lieutenant  Alexander  Buchanan,  Co.  I,  to 
Captain,  vice  Thompson,  resigned,  July  24th,  1861. 

2nd  Lieutenant  William  Wood,  Co.  I,  to  1st 
Lieutenant,  vice  Buchanan,  promoted,  July  24th, 
1861. 

Sergt.  Alfred  B.  Taylor,  Co.  I,  to  2nd  Lieuten- 
ant, vice  Wood,  promoted,  July  24th,  1861. 

Sergt.  George  Carroll,  Co.  H,  to  2nd  Lieutenant, 

vice  Wallace,  resigned,  Sept.  1st,  1861. 

Sergt.  George  Collins,  Co.  C,  to  2nd  Lieutenant, 
vice  Wallace,  resigned,  Dec.  1st  1861. 

Watson,  Chaplain,  to  fill  vacancy,  Oct.  1st, 

1861. 


20  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

% 

The  Regiment  remained  in  camp  at  Indianapolis 
till  June  1st,  when  it  was  ordered  to  Evansville, 
and  distributed  as  follows :  Companies  B,  D,  and 
F,  were  stationed  at  Newburg;  C,  G,  and  K,  at 
Mount  Vernon ;  and  A,  E,  H,  and  I,  at  Evansville, 
with  Regimental  headquarters  at  the  latter  place. 
The  Regiment  continued  on  duty  at  these  points, 
blockading  the  river  for  the  prevention  of  contra- 
band trade  with  the  enemy,  till  the  23d  of  July. 
The  alarm  on  the  border  having  subsided,  the  pre- 
sence of  the  troops  was  no  longer  deemed  necessary, 
and  Governor  Morton  effected  an  arrangement  for 
the  transfer  of  the  Twelfth  and  Sixteenth  Indiana 
to  the  United  States  service  for  the  unexpired  term. 
The  Regiment  was  ordered  to  Indianapolis,  where 
it  arrived  on  the  last  named  date,  and  received  pay 
for  the  service  rendered  the  State,  proceeding  di- 
rect to  Harper's  Ferry,  Virginia.  On  its  arrival 
the  Regiment  was  assigned  to  Abercrombie's  Brig- 
ade of  General  Banks'  command.  The  season 
passed  away  without  any  offensive  operations  of 
importance.  The  troops  marched  from  Harper's 
Ferry  to  Hyattstown,  thence  to  Darnestown  and 
Williamsport,  and  in  October  the  Regiment  was 
ordered  to  Sharpsburg,  and  assigned  to  picket 
duty  on  the  Potomac,  where  it  remained  for  five 
months.  During  this  period  Captain  Williams,  of 
Co.  E,  with  Lemuel  Hazzard  and  several  others 
of  the  Regiment,  was  surprised  and  captured  by 


SERVICE  ON  THE  POTOMAC.  21 

the  enemy,  and  confined  in  prison  at  Richmond 
for  five  months.  It  was  while  the  Regiment  re- 
mained at  Sharpsburg  that  Lieutenant  Taylor,  of 
Co.  I,  visited  the  camp  of  the  enemy,  and  spent 
several  days  in  their  midst,  as  a  spy,  returning 
safely  to  camp,  and  swimming  the  Potomac  on 
his  way.  The  occurrence  of  a  storm,  at  the  time 
of  the  intended  movement,  prevented  the  accom- 
plishment of  the  capture  of  the  force,  which  would 
doubtless  have  resulted  from  this  bold  undertaking. 

On  the  1st  of  March,  1862,  the  army  resumed 
the  offensive,  crossing  the  Potomac  and  advancing 
upon  Martinsburg,  where  the  Twelfth  Indiana  and 
Twelfth  Massachusetts  skirmished  with  a  small  force 
of  the  enemy,  and  occupied  the  place.  In  the  move- 
ment upon  Winchester  the  Regiment  was  in  ad- 
vance, skirmishing  with  Ashby's  cavalry,  being 
the  first  Federal  troops  to  enter  the  city  after  the 
enemy  retired.  The  Brigade  was  ordered  from 
Winchester  to  Centerville,  and  thence  to  Warren- 
ton  Junction,  where  the  Regiment  was  detached 
from  the  command  and  ordered  to  Washington  for 
discharge,  arriving  there  April  27th.  It  was  not 
till  the  19th  of  May  that  the  muster-out  was  effect- 
ed, and  the  troops  received  their  discharge  and  pay. 

The  service  on  the  Potomac  was  one  of  compar- 
ative ease  during  the  period  of  the  Regiment's  con- 
nection with  the  army  under  General  Banks,  and 
it  returned  to  the  State  with  its  ranks  nearly  full, 


22  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

having  lost  but  nineteen  men  during  the  year. 
Many  of  the  officers  and  men  again  entered  the 
service  in  the  new  organization,  and  in  other 
regiments,  and  distinguished  themselves  by  their 
valor. 


CHAPTER  II. 

REORGANIZATION,  AND  SERVICE  IN  KENTUCKY. 

The  military  operations  of  1861  failed  to  secure 
any  important  advantages  to  our  arms,  and  the 
confidence  of  the  enemy  in  his  ultimate  success 
was  unbounded.  The  Peninsular  campaign,  in  the 
spring  of  1862,  was  a  series  of  failures,  and  the 
finely  equipped  army  under  McClellan  was  with- 
drawn from  its  perilous  position,  after  a  remarka- 
ble series  of  engagements,  in  which  it  displayed  the 
most  unconquerable  courage  and  power  of  endur- 
ance. The  disastrous  results  of  this  campaign 
awakened  a  deep  anxiety  for  our  cause,  and 
indicated  the  necessity  for  re-inforcement  of  our 
nrmies. 

But  while  disaster  had  befallen  our  arms  in  Vir- 
ginia, affairs  wore  a  more  hopeful  aspect  in  the 
"West.  Tennessee  had  become  the  theatre  of  great 
events.  The  fall  of  Fort  Donelson  and  the  evacu- 
ation of  Nashville,  the  defeat  of  the  enemy  at  Shi- 
loh  and  the  occupation  of  Memphis  compelled  the 
rebel  army  to  retire  into  Alabama.  The  subse- 
quent effort  of  General  Bragg  to  force  our  army, 


24  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

under  Buell,  from  its  advance  position,  by  a  skil- 
fully executed  flank  movement,  was  successful,  and 
the  aspect  of  affairs  in  the  "West  became  no  less 
forbidding  than  in  the  East.  The  enemy  pushed 
forward,  exulting  in  hope  of  a  speedy  triumph, 
and  Buell  was  compelled  to  fall  back  to  Nashville. 
In  the  meantime  President  Lincoln  had  issued  a 
call  for  300,000  troops,  soon  after  followed  by  a 
second  call  for  an  additional  force  of  the  same 
number.  The  exigency  of  the  times  stimulated  a 
spirit  of  activity  far  exceeding  that  of  the  preced- 
ing year,  and  volunteering  continued  rapidly,  filling 
the  quotas  of  the  respective  States  without  resort 
to  conscription.  The  troops  were  rapidly  organ- 
ized, armed  and  equipped,  and  sent  into  the  field ; 
those  from  the  West  being  ordered  to  Kentucky, 
and  those  from  the  East  to  Virginia. 

An  effort  was  made  to  re-organize  the  Twelfth 
Indiana  Volunteer  Infantry,  for  three  years  service 
immediately  after  the  return  of  the  Regiment  from 
Washington.  In  the  absence  of  any  call  for  troops, 
and  before  the  reverses  of  fortune  in  the  West  had 
rendered  a  call  imperative,  recruiting  was  attended 
with  great  difficulty.  A  few  companies  were  raised 
in  June,  and  rendezvoused  at  Indianapolis,  but  not 
sufficient  to  constitute  a  regiment.  In  response  to 
the  call  of  the  Executive,  volunteers  flocked  to  the 
standard,  and  the  Regiment  was  soon  filled,  and 
mustered  into  the*service,  by  Colonel  Simonson,  at 


REOItGANIZATION.  25 

Indianapolis,  Aug.  17th,  1862.     The  following  is 
the  original  Roster  of  the  Regiment : 

Colonel — WILLIAM  H.  LINK. 

Lieutenant  Colonel — REUBEN  WILLIAMS. 

Major — SOL  D.  KEMPTON. 

Surgeon — WILLIAM  LO.MAX. 

Assistant  Surgeon — ALFEED  B.  TAYLOR. 

Adjutant — JAEED  D.  BOND. 

Quartermaster — JAMES  A.  McCLKLLAX. 

Sergeant  Major — Larrey  D.  McFarlane. 

Quartermaster  Sergeant — John  II.  Waters. 

Commissary  Sergeant — Alfred  G.  Lee. 

Hospital  Steward — John  A.  Campfield. 

Senior  Principal  Musician — Henry  C.  Keely. 

Junior  Principal  Musician — Henry  C.  Hubler. 

Co.   A — Captain,   James   Goodnow;    1st  Lieutenant,   John  B. 
Conner ;  2nd  Lieutenant,  George  W.  Wright. 

Co.  B — Captain,  Elbert  D.  Baldwin ;   1st  Lieutenant,  Frank  H. 
Aveline ;  2nd  Lieutenant,  William  H.  Harrison. 

Co.  C — Captain,  David  P.  Cubberly ;  1st  Lieutenant,  Hezekiah 
Beeson ;  2nd  Lieutenant,  Edward  S.  Lenfesty. 

Co.  D — Captain,   George   Bowman;    1st   Lieutenant,    John  A. 
Blackwell ;  2nd  Lieutenant,  Benjamin  F.  Price. 

Co.  E — Captain,  Samuel  M.   Booker ;   1st  Lieutenant,  Thoinaa 
N.  Peoples ;  2nd  Lieutenant,  Caleb  Day. 

Co.  F — Captain,  Samuel  Boughter ;   1st  Lieutenant,  Alonzo  II 
Hubbard ;  2nd  Lieutenant,  Edward  H.  Webster. 

Cd.  G — Captain,  James  Huston;  1st  Lieutenant,  Easily  Helms, 
2nd  Lieutenant,  Robert  Alfont. 

Co.  H — Captain,  George  M.  Trotter;  1st  Lieutenant,  Joseph  E 
Hart ;  2nd  Lieutenant,  Josephus  Bills. 

Co.   I — Captain,   Samuel  W.  Wells ;   1st  Lieutenant,  Henry  S. 
>Ycscott ;  2nd  Lieutenant,  Thomas  J.  Anderson. 

Co.  K — Captain,  George  Nelson ;   1st  Lieutenant,  John  M.  Go- 
down  :  2nd  Lieutenant,  James  0.  Shauglmessy. 
JB 


26  VICKSBURQ  TO   RALEIGH. 

Reinforcements  were  constantly  pouring  into 
Kentucky,  from  the  Western  States,  to  resist  the 
advance  of  Kirby  Smith  upon  Cincinnati,  and  that 
of  Bragg  upon  Louisville.  The  Twelfth  Indiana 
received  marching  orders  Aug.  22nd,  and  left  for 
Lexington,  Kentucky,  via  Cincinnati,  marching 
direct  from  the  former  place  for  Richmond.  A 
force  of  about  6,000  fresh  troops  was  collected  at 
that  place,  under  command  of  Brigadier  General 
Nelson,  in  whose  temporary  absence  Brigadier 
General  Manson  held  command.  This  force 
consisted  of  the  following  regiments:  Twelfth, 
Sixteenth,  Fifty-fifth,  Sixty-sixth,  Sixty-ninth  and 
Seventy-first  Indiana,  and  Ninety-eighth  Ohio. 
Kirby  Smith  was  already  advancing  upon  the 
place  with  a  superior  force  of  disciplined  troops. 
Instead  of  falling  back  toward  Lexington  for  re- 
inforcements, which  were  on  their  way  to  join 
.them,  an  advance  was  ordered,  and  on  the  morn- 
ing of  Aug.  30th,  this  handful  of  raw  troops 
marched  out  to  meet  a  confident  foe  numbering 
more  than  30,000  men.  Colonel  Link  being  as- 
signed to  command  a  brigade  of  the  Indiana 
troops,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Williams,  who  had  that 
morning  arrived  from  home,  led  the  Regiment. 
They  encountered  the  enemy  four  miles  south  of 
Richmond,  and  a  severe  engagement  ensued,  the 
troops  fighting  like  -veterans  till  compelled  to  give 


SERVICE   IN   KENTUCKY.  27 

way.  The  retreat  continued  to  and  through  Rich- 
mond, when  the  troops  were  rallied  to  check  the 
enemy.  This  second  engagement  resulted  in  the 
capture  of  the  greater  part  of  the  force.  About  a 
thousand  escaped,  arid  made  their  way  to  Lexing- 
ton. The  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  was  nearly  a 
thousand.  The  death  of  Colonel  Link,  of  wounds 
received  during  the  last  engagement,  occurred  on 
the  20th  of  September.  He  was  a  popular  and 
efficient  officer,  and  his  death  was  lamented  by  all 
in  the  Regiment.  Lieutenants  Day,  of  Company  E, 
and  Westcott,  of  Company  I,  also  died  of  wounds. 
They  were  greatly  beloved  in  their  respective 
Companies.  The  following  is  a  complete  list  of 
the  casualties  in  the  engagement : 

FieM  and  Staft— Killed;  Colonel  William  H. 
Link. 

Co.  A — Killed ;  John  E.  Branham,  John  II.  C. 
Bard,  James  H.  Clinton,  John  Rawles,  Robert 
Reed,  Charles  W.  Warsham.  Wounded;  Ser- 
geant John  D.  Clark,  Bishop  Church,  Stephen  Ger- 
rard,  John  C.  Lewman,  William  H.  Randall, 
Abram  Wagner. 

Co.  C— Killed;  Corporal  William  P.  Thrasher, 
William  Bradvvick,  Edwin  Lenox,  William  Meisse, 
Thomas  Persnett,  William  Shane.  Wounded; 
William  Barnhouse,  John  Dunn,  Nathan  W.  Day, 
Emanuel  Edwards,  Jesse  D.  Frazee,  Andrew  Good- 
rick,  James  W.  Griudle. 


28  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

Co.  I) — Killed ;  Sergeant  James  II.  Rook,  Cor- 
poral Samuel  Mclntirc,  Benjamin  McCormick, 
Elihu  B.  Miller,  Enoch  M.  Todd.  Wounded; 
Captain  George  Bowman,  Samuel  Dickey,  James 
II.  Edwards,  John  W.  Glascock,  John  C.  Johnson, 
William  H.  Little,  Robert  T.  Little,  Robert  Mc- 
Mahan,  George  Reiger,  Henry  Sprecker,  William 
Skevington,  John  C.  Tedford. 

Co.  E — Killed ;  Second  Lieutenant  Caleb  Day, 
Richard  Berge,  Harmon  B.  Cox,  William  Hutch- 
inson,  Milton  V.  Petitt,  James  Pointer,  John  D. 
Williams.  Wounded ;  Corporal  Joshua  H.  Wood- 
ward, Corporal  Vincent  Carter,  I£li  Bray,  James 
A.  Hutson,  Corry  McPherson,  Elisha  F.  Ray, 
George  Rudicil,  Caswell  B.  Sumner,  John  K.  Zim- 
merman. 

Co.  F — Killed;  Harmon  Beeson,  John  H. 
.Basore,  John  B.  Graham.  Wounded ;  William 
II.  Bowen,  Martin  B.  Lightner,  George  W.  Stoler, 
John  Willard. 

Co.  G— Killed;  Milton  Curry,  Edward  Pauly. 
Wounded;  Abraham  D.  Baunon,  John  Watter- 
man,  Richard  Alfont,  Melville  Hunter,  James  W. 
Moulden,  John  W.  Reynolds,  Milo  Shaffer,  Mar- 
cellus  B.  Walker,  Amos  Wilson,  John  Humphreys. 

Co.  H— Killed ;  John  T.  Vanmeter.  Wounded ; 
Sergeant  Dick  Jones,  Benjamin  Brown,  Amos 
Bucy,  Nelson  Bills,  William  J.  Bradford,  George 
W.  Camp,  David  H.  Davidson,  Losran  P.  Herod, 


SERVICE  IN   KENTUCKY.  29 

David  Lay  ton,  John  B.  Tirey,  David  Vanskike, 
Francis  Vanzant. 

Co.  I — Killed ;  First  Lieutenant  Henry  S.  Wes- 
cott,  Daniel  Dentzer,  Allen  Jennings,  James  Nixon, 
Joseph  Nagle,  Joseph  ~W.  Sellers.  Wounded; 
Joel  "W.  Hawley,  Warren  O.  Herendeen,  Perry 
Oliver,  Henry  Paulus. 

Co.  K— Killed;  William  Collar.  Wounded; 
Second  Lieutenant  James  O.  Shaughnessy,  Ser- 
geant James  C.  Peltier,  Corporal  Lucius  T.  Bar- 
bour,  Corporal  Frederick  Tomblison,  Alexander 
Horton,  James  F.  Savage,  Francis  C.  Stilwell, 
Lawrence  Teutsch,  David  M.  Utley. 


CHAPTER  III. 

CAMPAIGN  IN  NORTHERN  MISSISSIPPI. 

The  Regiment  returned  from  Kentucky  on  parole, 
and  rendezvoused  at  Indianapolis  to  await  ex- 
change, which  was  effected  the  17th  of  November, 
on  which  day  the  following  promotions  were  made. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Williams,  to  Colonel,  vice  Link, 
deceased,  Major  Kempton,  to  Lieutenant  Colonel, 
Captain  Goodnow,  of  Company  A,  to  Major,  Lieu- 
tenant J.  B.  Conner,  to  Captain,  Orderly  Sergeant 
Robert  W.  Weatherinton,  to  First  Lieutenant,  Hos- 
pital Steward  John  A.  Campfield,  to  Second  Assist- 
ant Surgeon,  and  on  the  21st,  Sergeant  Moses  D. 
Gage,  of  Company  B,  89th  Indiana  Volunteers, 
was  commissioned  as  Chaplain  of  the  Regiment. 
Orders  were  issued  on  the  20th,  to  he  in  readiness 
to  take  the  field  at  once,  and  on  the  following  day 
the  Regiment  was  ordered  to  Memphis.  Colonel 
Williams  being  absent,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Kemp- 
ton  was  in  command,  under  whose  direction  we 
left  Camp  Morton  on  the  afternoon  of  November 
21st,  en  route  for  Cairo  where  we  arrived  on  the 


NORTHERN  MISSISSIPPI  CAMPAIGN.  31 

night  of  the  22nd.  The  Regiment  embarked 
on  the  stern-wheel  transport,  J.  II.  Done,  already 
in  a  half-sinking  condition,  on  which  we  made  the 
passage  in  safety  in  two  days,  reaching  Memphis 
on  the  the  24th,  disembarking  and  going  into 
oamp  east  of  the  city  on  the  morning  of  the  25th. 

Great  activity  prevailed  at  Memphis  preparatory 
to  the  approaching  campaign  into  Mississippi  for 
the  reduction  of  Vicksburg.  Major  General  TV".  T. 
Sherman's  Corps,  consisting  of  three  Divisions, 
constituted  the  right  wing  of  Grant's  army,  and 
the  troops  were  already  under  marching  orders  on 
our  arrival.  The  Regiment  was  assigned  to  the 
Second  Brigade,  Third  Division,  consisting  of  the 
Thirty-third  Wisconsin,  Twenty-seventh  Iowa,  and 
Twelfth  Indiana,  Colonel  Moore,  of  the  Thirty- 
third  Wisconsin,  commanding.  The  Division  was 
under  command  of  Brigadier  General  Lauman, 
Brigadier  General  Denver  commanding  the  First 
Division,  and  Brigadier  General  M.  L.  Smith  the 
Second.  The  entire  Corps  numbered  about  25,000 
men,  composed  of  old  and  new  troops  in  about 
equal  numbers.  Most  of  the  Western  States  were 
represented,  and  all  hearts  were  stirred  with  a 
noble  emulation  to  achieve  distinction. 

The  Corps  moved,  by  different  roads,  on  the  26th 
of  November.  The  progress  of  the  army  was  de- 
layed by  the  destruction  of  bridges  along  the  route, 
rendering  it  necessary  for  the  troops  to  pull  the 


32  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

train  up  the  steep  bank  of  one  of  the  creeks.  This 
tedious  and  laborious  process  was  continued  for 
several  hours,  by  detail  of  companies  pulling  at 
long  ropes  attached  to  the  loaded  wagons.  The 
woods  resounded  till  near  midnight  with  the  cheer- 
ful songs  and  shouts  of  the  soldiers,  to  many  of 
whom  this  was  the  first  lesson  of  a  long  series  in 
the  toils  of  the  service.  At  last  the  task  was  ac- 
complished, and  the  troops  moved  on,  reaching 
camp  at  midnight.  The  next  day  the  roads  were 
unobstructed,  and  a  rapid  march  of  twenty  miles 
brought  us  to  the  rich  plantation  of  General  Miller, 
whose  fences  were  consumed  for  fuel,  while  his  cot- 
ton-gin and  press,  with  most  of  his  out-houses  and 
a  large  quantity  of  corn,  were  burned  during  the 
night,  as  punishment  for  his  treasonable  conversa- 
tion with  the  soldiers.  The  desolation  thus  begun 
continued  during  the  march,  the  track  of  our 
column  being  distinctly  marked  by  the  smoke  of 
burning  buildings  and  fences. 

On  the  third  day's  march  we  met  a  Union  man, 
formerly  from  Indiana,  who  gave  us  his  experience 
in  Secessia,  having  been  persecuted  and  threatened 
with  the  halter  for  his  loyalty  to  the  old  flag. 
The  people  were  subjected  to  the  greatest  tyranny 
the  world  ever  saw,  and  had  not  a  vestige  of  the 
rights  they  enjoyed  under  the  Government  of  their 
fathers.  They  had  sowed  the  wind  and  were  reap- 
ing the  whirlwind.  In  their  helplessness  they  must 


NORTHERN  MISSISSIPPI  CAMPAIGN  33 

endure  all  that  a  despotism,  based  on  oppression 
and  instituted  for  the  perpetuation  of  African 
slavery,  saw  fit  to  inflict.  To  be  loyal  to  the  Union 
within  the  Confederate  lines  was  more  perilous  to 
life  and  property  than  to  be  disloyal  within  our 
own  lines.  Thus  it  was  throughout  the  great  con- 
flict. Greater  liberty  is  compatible  with  free  insti- 
tutions than  with  the  boasted  freedom  of  an  aris- 
tocracy like  that  which  has  so  long  prevailed  in  the 
South.  Our  cause  has  doubtless  been  hindered  in 
its  progress  by  the  sufferance  of  disloyalty  in  our 
own  midst.  Yet  we  have  outlived  both  overt  and 
covert  treason.  But  in  the  heart  of  the  bogus 
Confederacy,  a  terrorism  prevailed  that  closed  the 
mouths  of  those  who  still  loved  the  Union  and  de- 
sired the  triumph  of  our  arms.  It  was  only  by 
the  forcible  suppression  of  sentiments  opposed  to 
the  Confederate  cause  that  there  could  be  unity 
and  concentration  of  action  and  the  best  possible 
use  of  all  the  resources  of  the  insurgents  for  the 
prosecution  of  the  war.  That  a  latent  loyalty  pre^ 
vailed  in  many  hearts  in  the  South,  that  were  not 
directly  interested  in  the  institution  of  slavery,  and 
appreciated  the  freedom  of  the  old  Government, 
cannot  be  doubted.  But  while  the  cause  of  the 
rebellion  inspired  hope  in  those  holding  the  reins 
of  power,  no  advantage  could  be  secured  by  a 
course  of  opposition,  even  were  it  safe  to  pursue 
such  a  policy.  When  both  useless  and  dangerous 


34  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

to  oppose,  a  quiet  reserve  was  the  only  alternative 
for  those  to  pursue  who  were  in  spirit  loyal  to  the 
Union.  Having  all  their  property  and  interests  in 
the  South,  they  chose  to  remain  and  suffer  the  ills 
of  their  lot,  rather  than  fly  to  others  they  knew  not 
how  to  meet 

The  enemy  retired  from  Holly  Springs  across  the 
Tallahatchie,  and  occupied  a  strong  position  on  the 
south  bank  of  that  stream.  The  approach  of  Sher- 
man's Corps  from  Memphis,  upon  his  flank,  com- 
pelled the  evacuation  of  the  line  of  the  Tallahatch- 
ie, and  on  the  30th  of  November,  he  retreated 
toward  Grenada,  via  Oxford,  followed  by  Grant, 
whose  advance  pressed  his  rear  in  close  pursuit. 
Our  forces  rested  one  day  on  the  Coldwater,  and 
on  the  30th  moved  forward  to  Chulahoma.  The 
night  of  the  enemy's  retreat  was  a  memorable  one 
to  us.  The  troops  were  camped  in  a  large  corn- 
field, when  a  violent  storm  of  wind  and  rain  arose, 
and  our  tents  were  blown  down,  while  the  furrows 
in  which  the  soldiers  had  made  their  beds  were 
filled  with  water,  compelling  them  to  stand  exposed 
to  the  pitiless  storm  till  morning.  By  a  stringent 
order,  issued  at  Memphis,  the  troops  were  limited 
to  the  use  of  shelter  tents,  which  we  were  unable 
to  obtain  in  consequence  of  the  supply  being  ex- 
hausted. The  men  were  therefore  left  without 
shelter,  except  as  they  were  able  to  protect  them- 
selves from  the  storm  with  their  oil-blankets.  TKe 


NORTHERN  MISSISSIPPI  CAMPAIGN.  35 

cheerfulness  that  prevailed  under  these  circum- 
stances, indicated  a  noble  spirit  of  endurance  and 
a  readiness  to  make  the  best  of  their  misfortune. 
Morning  broke  upon  numerous  circles  of  the  poor 
fellows,  around  blazing  fires,  drying  their  blankets 
and  clothing,  or  putting  their  guns  in  condition  for 
service.  The  day  was  occupied  in  repairing  the 
damages  of  the  night,  only  to  be  subjected  to  a 
repetition  of  the  drenching  the  next  day,  on  the 
march  to  Wyatt,  on  the  Tallahatchie.  At  this 
point  the  troops  were  detained  while  a  bridge  was 
thrown  across  the  river,  when  the  Corps  moved 
forward  to  College  Hill,  and  encamped,  while  the 
railroad  was  in  course  of  repair  from  Holly  Springs 
to  Oxford.  In  the  meantime  the  enemy  continued 
his  retreat,  followed  by  our  cavalry  to  Coffeeville, 
where  a  brisk  skirmish  occurred  to  our  serious  dis- 
advantage. 

The  Regiment  remained  at  TVyatt,  guarding  the 
bridge.  Supplies  for  the  right  wing  were  conveyed 
by  wagon  from  Holly  Springs  to  the  front,  crossing 
the  river  at  this  place.  During  our  continuance 
here,  supplies  became  very  scarce,  and  the  troops 
•were  compelled  to  subsist  on  forage  almost  exclu- 
sively. The  country,  in  all  directions,  had  been  so 
thoroughly  impoverished  that  it  was  exceedingly 
difficult  to  procure  sufficient  food.  Quartermaster 
McClellan  was  untiring  in  his  efforts  to  provide  for 
the  wants  of  the  men.  Day  and  night  he  labored 


36  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

in  collecting  corn  and  grinding  it  in  a  "  horse-mill," 
when  all  other  supplies  had  failed.  It  is  probable 
that  those  living  in  the  midst  of  abundance  never 
know  what  hunger  is.  But  the  men  who  have  en- 
dured the  hardships  of  a  soldier's  life,  know  full 
well  the  gnawing  sensation  of  hunger.  When 
half  famished  for  want  of  the  most  common  food, 
and  compelled  to  subsist  on  coarse  meal  alone, 
thoughts  of  the  bounties  of  home,  where  all  our 
wants  were  wont  to  be  supplied,  induced  peculiar 
feelings,  which  one  who  has  been  in  want  can  un- 
derstand. The  sacrifices  of  the  soldier  cannot  be 
fully  valued  till  the  long  list  of  his  privations,  toils, 
sufferings,  and  dangers  has  been  recounted.  But 
there  is  no  better  school  for  patience  and  experi- 
ence to  write  their  lasting  influence  upon  the  mem- 
ory, than  in  the  humble  position  of  the  common 
soldier,  who  grows  wiser  by  every  day's  lesson, 
and  treasures  up  the  thoughts  of  years  in  his  heart. 
If  our  brave  men,  returned  to  home  and  friends, 
could  but  speak  the  language  of  their  hearts,  gar- 
nered up  in  the  long  years  of  their  arduous  service, 
how  eloquent  would  be  their  utterances.  But  it 
cannot  be  spoken.  In  future  years  the  recital  of 
the  scenes  of  camp  and  field  will  charm  the  chil- 
dren upon  the  knee,  but  none  can  read  the  deep 
lines  written  in  memory  by  the  events  delineated. 
The  past  is  replete  with  valuable  lessons,  if  we  will 
but  heed  them,  as  we  ought. 


NORTHERN  MISSISSIPPI  CAMPAIGN.  37 

But  the  suffering  was  not  confined  to  our  sol- 
diers. Greater  privation  was  endured  by  the  in- 
habitants, upon  whose  substance  we  relied  for  sup- 
port, when  our  supplies  failed  us.  The  owner  of 
eight  hundred  acres  of  land  at  Wyatt  was  reduced 
to  the  lowest  condition  of  want  His  horses, 
mules,  cattle,  hogs,  and  corn  had  been  appropriated 
by  the-  army ;  his  fences  and  out-buildings  were 
consumed  for  fuel,  and  his  house  stripped  of  every- 
thing except  the  bare  furniture.  We  occupied  his 
house,  and  fed  him  and  his  family  during  our  stay, 
an  object  of  charity  in  his  own  home,  where  he  had 
lived  in  comfort  for  twenty  years.  As  we  left  him 
he  asked,  with  broken  utterance,  what  he  should 
do,  a  difficult  question  to  answer.  This  is  but  one 
of  many  thousand  cases  of  destitution  produced -by 
the  ravages  of  war  in  the  region  of  hostilities, 
where  armies  have  traversed  the  land  for  four  long 
and  fearful  years  of  strife.  If  it  be  thus  with  the 
laud-owners,  how  wretched  must  be  the  condition 
of  the  poor,  degraded  whites.  Many  of  this  class 
came  to  us  for  aid,  but  we  could  afford  them  no 
relief. 

The  army  was  re-organized  during  the  brief 
period  of  repose  allowed  us  here.  The  army  under 
Grant  included  the  expeditionary  force  on  the  lower 
Mississippi,  operating  against  Vicksburg,  which 
consisted  of  the  Thirteenth  Corps,  under  General 
McCleruand.  General  Sherman  was  detached 


38  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

from  his  command  and  ordered  to  proceed,  with 
the  Fifteenth  Corps,  to  join  McClernand,  and 
assume  command  of  the  entire  force  on  the  Mis- 
sissippi. The  Sixteenth  Corps,  under  General 
Hamilton,  and  the  Seventeenth,  under  General 
McPherson,  were  retained  in  Northern  Mississippi, 
and  General  Sherman's  previous  command  was 
distributed  among  the  three  Corps,  the  First  Divi- 
sion being  assigned  to  the  Sixteenth,  the  Second 
to  the  Fifteenth,  and  the  Third  to  the  Seventeenth 
Corps.  The  Twelfth  Indiana  was  detached  from 
the  Brigade,  and  assigned  to  guard  duty  at  the 
Tallahatchie  railroad  bridge.  Colonel  Williams 
joined  the  Regiment  on  the  llth  of  December, 
and  on  the  12th,  the  command  marched  to  Water- 
ford,  and  thence  to  Tallahatchie  on  the  15th.  % 

The  plan  of  operations  contemplated  a  diversion, 
by  the  Sixteenth  and  Seventeenth  Corps,  in  favor 
of  the  force  operating  directly  against  Vicksburg 
under  Sherman,  Holly  Springs  being  the  base  of 
supplies,  to  which  point  the  Mississippi  Central 
Railroad  was  already  opened.  A  large  quantity 
of  stores  had  been  accumulated  there,  and  the 
railroad  was  about  to  be  opened  to  Oxford,  at 
which  place  General  Grant  had  his  head-quarters. 
Soon  after  we  reached  our  assigned  station  the 
bridge  was  completed  and  communication  was 
opened  from  Columbus  to  Oxford.  At  this  junc- 
ture the  rebel  General  Van  Dorn  succeeded  in 


NORTHERN  MISSISSIPPI  CAMPAIGN.  39 

surprising  the  garrison  at  Holly  Springs,  early  on 
the  morning  of  the  19th  of  December,  capturing 
the  entire  force,  cutting  our  communications,  and 
destroying  the  supplies.  This  event  compelled  the 
abandonment  of  the  campaign,  and  the  troops  re- 
turned to  Holly  Springs,  whence  the  Seventeenth 
Corps  was  ordered  to  Memphis  and  sent  down 
the  river  to  join  the  expeditionary  force  in  front 
of  Vicksburg.  The  Sixteenth  Corps  was  retained 
in  Western  Tennessee,  to  hold  the  line  of 
communication  from  Columbus  to  Corinth  and 
Memphis. 

Colonel  Williams  and  Quartermaster  McClellan 
were  captured  at  Holly  Springs,  and  paroled  with 
the  garrison.  The  command  of  the  Regiment  again 
devolved  on  Lieutenant  Colonel  Kempton.  On  the 
27th  of  December,  the  Regiment  was  assigned  to 
the  Second  Brigade  of  the  First  Division,  Sixteenth 
Corps,  Brigadier  General  Denver  commanding 
Division.  The  Brigade  consisted  of  the  Sixth 
Iowa,  Forty-sixth  Ohio,  Fortieth  Illinois,  Twelfth 
and  One  Hundredth  Indiana,  Colonel  McDowell, 
of  the  Sixth  Iowa,  commanding.  On  the  28th 
the  Regiment  joined  the  Brigade,  and  on  the 
29th  marched  to  lk)lly  Springs.  The  troops  re- 
mained in  the  vicinity  for  several  days,  and  on  the 
6th  of  January,  1863,  the  First  Division  marched  to 
Salem,  thence  to  Spring  Hill,  and  on  the  9th,  ar- 
rived at  the  assigned  post  of  duty  for  the  winter. 


40         .  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

The  First  Brigade  was  quartered  at  Grand  Junction, 
fifty-two  miles  east  of  Memphis,  at  the  crossing  of 
the  Memphis  and  Chaleston  and  Mississippi  Cen- 
tral Railroads.  The  other  Brigades  of  the  Division 
were  stationed  at  La  Grange,  and  other  points  to- 
ward Memphis.  Thus  terminated  the  campaign 
in  Northern  Mississippi,  without  the  accomplish- 
ment of  any  important  object.  It  was  now  too 
late  to  attempt  further  operations  by  land,  and 
General  Grant  at  once  entered  upon  the  work  of 
reducing  Vicksburg,  by  moving  from  some  point 
on  the  Mississippi. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

RETROSPECT  OF  THE  YEAR, 

» 

The  close  of  the  campaign  was  coincident  with 
that  of  the  year,  and  suggested  sad  thoughts  of 
the  past,  as"  well  as  anxious  inquiries  concerning 
the  future.  The  toils  and  privations  of  December 
had  induced  disease  in  many  of  our  noble  soldiers, 
who  subsequently  died.  Our  tents  had  reached  us 
on  the  Tallahatchie,  and  full  rations  were  issued  to 
the  troops  during  the  latter  part  of  the  campaign. 
But  food  and  shelter  could  not  restore  health  to 
the  diseased,  who  were  conveyed  to  hospital,  and 
received  every  attention  that  could  be  bestowed. 
The  work  of  death  began  at  Wyatt.  Andrew  J. 
Gilpin,  of  Co.  C,  died  December  10th,  after  an 
illness  of  ten  days,  induced  by  exposure  at  Chula- 
homa.  We  buried  him  at  the  twilight  hour,  and 
early  on  the  following  morning  his  brother,  belong- 
ing to  the  same  company,  arrived  from  Memphis 
to  learn  his  sad  fate.  Others  soon  after  died,  and 
the  sick  list  largely  increased  during  the  winter. 
Thus  did  our  brave  boys  so  soon  begin  to  drop  into 


42  VICKSBURO   TO   RALEIGH. 

the  grave,  the  victims  of  disease,  sacrifices  to  their 
country  no  less  dear  to  memory  than  those  slain 
upon  the  field  of  hattle.  The  few  months  of  ser- 
vice had  borne  many  of  our  number  to  the  rest 
from  which  no  earthly  summons  could  awaken 
them.  Some  had  given  up  their  lives  at  Rich- 
mond, while  others  had  died  of  wounds  received 
in  that  engagement.  Still  others  were  disabled  by 
wounds,  or  suffering  from  disease,  far  from  home 
and  friends. 

During  the  six  weeks  intervening  between  our 
departure  from  Memphis  and  our  arrival  at  Grand 
Junction  no  intelligence  had  reached  us  from 
home.  But  facilities  had  been  afforded  us  of  com- 
municating to  our  friends  the  record  of  our  expe- 
rience during  the  campaign.  We  looked  back 
upon  the  scenes  of  the  past  as  participants  in  the 
great  struggle,  while  they  were  interested  observ- 
ers of  our  movements,  whose  lives  were  bound 
up  in  ours,  and  whose  anxieties  were  constantly 
aroused  for  our  security.  The  afflicted  ones 
derived  consolation  in  their  sorrow  from  the  con- 
sciousness that  their  friends  had  fallen  in  a  noble 
and  righteous  cause. 

But  the  retrospect  is  not  merely  individual,  or 
social,  in  its  character.  It  is  not  limited  to  the 
scenes  in  our  own  circumscribed  sphere  of  action 
and  observation.  The  progress  of  events  in  the 
great  drama  being  enacted  upon  the  theatre  of 


RETROSPECT  OF  THE  YEAR.  43 

war,  as  well  as  the  incidents  in  our  own  experience, 
invite  attention.  These,  too,  had  been  for  a  time 
hidden  from  view,  in  our  isolation  from  the  exter- 
nal world  around  us.  The  significance  of  our 
own  failure  to  penetrate  the  heart  of  Mississippi, 
and  thus  reach  the  rear  of  Vicksburg,  involved 
no  disaster  to  the  army,  which  was  in  immediate 
readiness  to  renew  the  effort  to  reach  the  citadel 
in  another  direction.  No  cause  for  despondency 
existed  in  the  Department  of  the  Tennessee. 
Though  baffled  in  one  part  of  his  plan.  Grant  was 
not  beaten,  and  with  new  vigor  he  entered  upon 
the  work  before  him.  The  confidence  of  the  peo- 
ple in  the  entire  Army  of  the  West  remained 
unimpaired.  In  the  Department  -of  the  Cumber- 
land Rosecraus  had  succeeded  Buell,  who  had 
turned  back  the  confident  enemy  at  Perryville, 
and  followed  Bragg  to  Murfreesboro,  where  he 
was  already  engaging  him  in  one  of  the  severest 
battles  of  the  war.  The  glorious  result  of  Stone 
River  revived  the  hearts  of  the  people,  and  prom- 
ised additional  triumphs  to  our  arms.  But  in 
the  East  our  cause  had  recently  suffered  a  severe 
reverse  at  Fredericksburg,  which  put  us  again  on 
the  defensive  against  a  renewal  of  the  attempt  to 
strike  Washington.  The  hope  inspired  by  the  su- 
persedure  of  McClellan  by  Burnside  had  not  been 
realized,  and  a  second  change  of  commanders  was 
the  result.  Our  misfortunes  in  the  East,  during 


44  VTCKSBURa   TO   RALEIGH. 

the  year,  had  tried  the  strength  of  the  nation  to  its 
fullest  capacity,  but  the  tide  having  been  turned  in 
the  West  secured  us  from  despair  of  success.  Had 
the  sky  been  as  dark  over  all  the  land  as  in  the 
East,  we  might  possibly  have  faltered  in  our  great 
work.  But  the  vital  question  remained  to  be 
settled,  in  the  pending  struggle  for  the  possession 
of  the  key  of  the  great  artery  of  commerce  be- 
tween the  Northwest  and  the  Gulf,  which,  decided 
in  our  favor,  forever  rendered  the  cause  of  the 
Confederacy  hopeless,  except  by  reoccupation  of 
the  Mississippi.  The  review  of  our  military  ope- 
rations at  this  period,  though  not  flattering,  was 
not,  on  the  whole,  calculated  to  impair  our  confi- 
dence in  final  success. 

Any  review  of  the  events  of  the  year  now  closed 
would  be  imperfect,  that  should  omit  a  reference 
to  the  efforts  of  Northern  sympathizers  with  trea- 
son to  secure  the  control  of  the  several  State 
Governments,  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  the 
war  to  a  speedy  and  dishonorable  termination. 
That  such  a  scheme  should  have  originated  with 
men  enjoying  the  protection  and  benefits  of  the 
Government  is  a  painful  reflection.  It  is  hu- 
miliating to  every  loyal  heart  to  know  that  a 
systematic  course  of  vilification  of  those  noble 
men,  who  'held  the  reins  of  government  in  the 
loyal  States,  should  have  so  far  been  approved  by 
the  people  as  to  render  it  dangerous  to  our  cause, 


RETROSPECT  OF  THE  YEAR.  45 

and  a  prominent  source  of  discouragement  and 
anxiety  for  the  national  safety.  That  the  greatest 
gloom  should  have  been  cast  upon  the  public  mind 
by  sharers  in  our  common  blessings  almost  ex- 
ceeds belief.  The  comparative  guilt  of  Northern 
men,  laboring  in  the  interest  of  the  rebellion, 
under  the  specious  plea  of  adherence  to  the  Con- 
stitution and  laws  of  the  Union,  is  only  appreciable 
when  carefully  examined  in  reference  to  its  dan- 
gerous tendency.  For  overt  treason  armed  to 
overthrow  the  Government,  is  a  palpable  object, 
against  which  resistance  may  be  brought  to  bear, 
while  this  covert  purpose  to  destroy  is  difficult  of 
detection  and  proof.  The  chief  guilt  of  the  rebel- 
lion itself  consisted  in  the  incipient  measures,  to 
inaugurate  insurrection  by  those  in  whom  were 
deposited  the  interests  of  the  people,  as  their  sworn 
representatives.  The  just  measure  of  punishment 
for  all  who  thus  concocted  treason,  under  the  name 
and  authority  of  vested  power,  should  be  death. 
If  so,  what  degree  of  guilt  must  attach  to  those, 
who,  while  the  national  life  is  imperiled  by  a 
gigantic  rebellion,  seek,  under  the  guise  of  law,  to 
restrain  the  exercise  of  the  nation's  strength  for 
the  defense  and  maintenance  of  the  vital  principles 
of  the  Government.  The  design  is  identical  with 
that  of  the  leaders  in  the  rebellion  itself,  and  the 
only  mitigation  of  the  judgment  to  be  awarded  13 
the  fact  that  the  purpose  was  not  effected.  But  this 


46  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

was  owing  to  the  lack  of  power,  and  not  of  dispo- 
sition or  intention.  The  guilt  primarily  rests  upon 
the  demagogues  who  misled  the  people.  Yet  it  is 
a  sad  reflection  that  so  large  a  number  of  citizens 
of  the  loyal  States,  could  have  been  made  subser- 
vient instruments  of  base  and  cowardly  traitors, 
as  to  endanger  the  salvation  of  the  country  more 
effectually  than  all  the  hosts  of  armed  insurgents 
in  the  revolted  States.  That  some  whose  friends 
were  in  the  army,  doing  battle  for  their  country, 
should  be  so  far  led  astray  as  to  encourage  deser- 
tion and  promise  protection  to  deserters,  against 
the  enforcement  of  military  authority  for  their 
arrest  and  return  to  duty,  can  scarcely  be  credited. 
Yet  this  was  the  actual  result  of  the  teaching  of 
Northern  traitors,  during  the  political  canvass  of 
1862.  The  votes  of  the  party  seeking  to  gain  con- 
trol of  State  legislation  and  Executive  authority 
strengthened  the  hands  of  armed  traitors  and 
weakened  those  of  our  brave  defenders,  just  in 
proportion  to  the  accomplishment  of  their  ends. 
That  the  country  was  not  then  rent  into  fragments 
is  only  due  to  the  defeat  of  those  conspirators 
against  the  life  of  the  nation,  who,  by  a  complete 
triumph,  would  have  reversed  the  machinery  of 
State  legislation,  and  rendered  the  success  of 
armed  treason  certain  and  speedy.  The  tide  of 
battle  had  been  stemmed  by  the  earnest  devotion 


RETROSPECT  OF  THE  YEAR.  47 

of  the  loyal  masses,  and  hope  whispered  of  bright- 
er days  to  come. 

The  close  of  the  year  suggested  an  earnest  fore- 
cast of  the  future.  In  the  light  of  past  events, 
without  reference  to  the  principles  involved  in  our 
great  conflict,  the  prospect  was  not  flattering.  A 
few  of  the  most  encouraging  features  of  our  con- 
dition will  be  noticed  here.  First  in  importance 
is  the  fact,  evident  to  all  impartial  observers,  that 
the  weight  of  moral  and  religious  influence  in  the 
North  was  unmistakably  in  favor  of  the  policy  of 
the  Administration.  Too  much  significance  can 
scarcely  be  attached  to  this  truth,  that  in  a  great 
national  struggle  for  life,  the  party  which  evokes 
the  deepest  and  purest  emotions  and  desires  of 
the  people,  by  which  they  are  stimulated  to  corres- 
ponding effort,  is  certain  of  success  in  the  end. 
Our  national  character  involves  more  of  moral 
principle  than  that  of  any  other  nation  whose  his- 
tory is  recorded  in  the  annals  of  the  world,  and 
if  the  representatives  of  those  higher  elements  of 
our  life  are  found  arrayed  in  its  defense,  it  will 
survive  the  contest.  The  moral  and  religious 
teachings  of  the  North  were  far  purer  and  more 
elevating  in  their  tendency  than  those  of  the  South, 
where  proscription  of ,  opinions  prevailed  to  such  a 
degree  that  it  was  unsafe  to  transcend  the  fixed 
limits  which  pro-slavery  politicians  had  set  for  the 
restraint  of  all  teachers  of  morality  and  religion. 


48  VICKSBURQ   TO   RALEIGH.    . 

Hence,  in  a  contest  for  principle,  we  had  the  ad- 
vantage of  freedom  from  constraint,  and  when  we 
spoke  in  the  full  determination  of  purpose  to  vin- 
dicate the  honor  of  the  Government,  when  assailed, 
the  ready  response  of  the  moral  and  religious  sen- 
timents of  the  people — free  and  untrammeled  as 
the  sun-light  of  heaven,  because  derived  from  the 
great  Source  of  all  truth — gave  character  and 
power  to  the  nation,  in  the  execution  of  its  declared 
purpose.  This  was  exemplified  in  the  course  of 
the  Chief  Executive  of  the  nation,  and  of  the 
several  State  Executives,  who  repeatedly  acknowl- 
edged the  intimacy  of  relation  between  the  divine 
agency  and  the  salvation  of  the  nation.  They  did 
this,  not  as  religious  men,  for  they  were  not  all 
even  moral  men  in  the  strictest  sense,  but  they 
spoke  the  convictions  of  the  public  mind  and  the 
deep  feelings  of  the  public  heart,  with  whose  every 
pulsation  they  were  familiar  from  long  and  careful 
observation. 

In  close  connection  with  the  moral  encourage- 
ment thus  given  to  our  cause  is  the  fact  that  science 
and  literature,  philosophy  and  art  have  also  given 
their  sanction  to  the  great  principles  of  our  Govern- 
ment in  the  progress  of  the  struggle.  True  pro- 
gress is  in  exact  proportion  to  the  morals  and 
intelligence  of  the  people.  Hence  all  the  profes- 
sions, in  which  men  may  reasonably  hope  to 
achieve  honor  and  distinction,  are  dignified  by  the 


RETROSPECT  OF  THE  YEAR.  49 

elevation  of  the  masses  in  the  scale  of  moral  being. 
Those  desiring  success  in  life  will,  from  a  sense  of 
interest  as  well  as  consistency  and  duty,  range 
themselves  on  the  side  of  right,  in  every  issue 
between  truth  and  error,  so  far  as  they  can  be  con- 
trolled by  a  sincere  regard  for  their  pursuits. 
Those  who  prefer  present  advantages  to  lasting 
honors  may  set  aside  principle,  and  sell  integrity 
for  pleasure.  But  the  great  men,  in  all  ranks  of 
life,  are  those  who  prefer  principles  to  expedients', 
and  enduring  character  to  ephemeral  reputation. 
Such  have  been  found  with  us  in  the  defense  of 
our  national  integrity.  And  those  who  have  flitted 
before  the  public  eye,  in  all  the  brilliancy  of  wit 
and  talent,  as  the  enemies  of  the  Government, 
under  the  assumed  name  of  Democracy,  have  now 
gone  down  to  the  obscurity  from  which  they  came. 
In  the  time  of  our  deepest  gloom  it  was  evident 
that  the  self-styled  leaders  of  the  opposition  were 
either  men  of  mediocrity,  or  without  principle, 
who  hoped  to  ride  into  power  over  the  ruins  of 
their  country,  knowing  that  our  triumph  would 
consign  them  to  oblivion. 

These  considerations,  with  others  of  minor  im- 
portance, prevailed  over  the  fears  induced  by  the 
disasters  of  the  year  recently  closed.  The  great 
decision  had  been  rendered  by  the  Chief  Executive 
of  the  nation  that  the  curse  of  oppression  should  be 

removed  from  the  land.  •  The  declared  purpose 
o 


50  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

was  fully  completed,  so  far  as  Executive  authority 
could  secure  completion  in  law,  on  the  advent  of 
the  New  Year,  and  from  that  hour  the  star  of  hope 
rose,  and  led  us  to  the  day  of  peace.  The  struggle 
was  thenceforward  reduced  to  the  simple  issue  of 
freedom  for  all,  with  the  Union  of  the  States,  or 
perpetual  tyranny,  with  States  discordant  and 
dissevered.  The  occasional  reverses  to  our  arms 
that  succeeded,  failed  to  produce  that  deep  gloom 
that  had  prevailed  during  the  year  just  closed. 
The  strong  man  was  fully  roused  and  ready  to  go 
forth  to  accomplish  terrible  things  in  the  overthrow 
of  usurpation  and  wrong. 


CHAPTER  V. 

THE  COMING  OF  THE  MAIL. 

On  our  arrival  at  Grand  Junction,  the  accumu- 
lated mail  of  the  previous  six  weeks  was  received 
and  distributed  to  as  joyful  a  class  of  men  as  ever 
welcomed  news  from  home.  More  than  three 
thousand  letters  were  issued  to  about  seven  hun- 
dred men,  some  receiving  more  than  twenty.  In 
the  entire  Eegiment,  but  one  man  failed  to  receive 
a  letter.  The  scene  attending  each  successive 
receipt  of  the  mail  was  full  of  interest.  Nothing 
would  arouse  attention  more  promptly  than  the 
announcement  of  its  arrival,  an  eager  crowd  inva- 
riably collecting  at  the  Chaplain's  tent  to  receive 
the  allotted  portion.  Those  favored  with  news 
were  always  cheerful,  while  the  disappointed  ones 
could  be  seen  slowly  returning  to  their  quarters, 
evidently  dissatisfied  with  the  result,  perhaps  com- 
plaining of  the  neglect  of  friends  at  home.  After 
the  long  and  toilsome  marches,  cut  off  from  all 
communications  for  months,  the  coming  of  the 
mail  was  like  the  distribution  of  precious  treasure 


52  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

among  the  expectant  throng,  waiting  to  receive  the 
long-delayed  message  from  the  dear  friend  far 
away. 

The  soldier  learns,  by  protracted  absence,  to 
appreciate  the  home  privileges,  which  he  has  here- 
tofore enjoyed  with  scarce  a  thought  of  their  true 
value,  till  they  have  been  laid  aside.  As  he  goes 
out  to  the  field  of  strife,  feeling  that  he  is  no  longer 
privileged  to  do  as  he  pleases,  but  that  for  three 
long  years  he  may  be  kept  from  his  family,  who 
continually  miss  him  from  his  accustomed  place,  he 
catches  a  partial  conception  of  the  price  he  pays 
for  his  country's  preservation.  But  when  far  from 
home,  and  shut  out  from  the  world,  with  no  word 
of  cheer  from  those  dear  to  him  as  his  own  life,  he 
more  fully  realizes  the  value  of  the  joys  he  has 
resigned.  The  presence  of  loved  ones  is  denied 
him,  and  his  only  solace  is  in  the  silent  messenger 
borne  to  him  by  the  coming  mail.  It  is  not  sur- 
prising that  the  strong  man  feels  a  peculiar  thrill 
of  pleasure  as  the  long  looked-for  letter  is  placed 
in  his  hand.  With  what  eagerness  he  breaks  the 
seal  and  casts  his  eye  over  the  page.  You  need 
not  ask  if  he  has  good  news,  if  the  dear  ones  are 
blessed  with  health,  or  are  in  sorrow  and  distress. 
His  countenance,  overspread  with  a  smile  or  a 
look  of  sadness,  tells  the  tale  of  joy  or  of  sorrow 
which  the  message  brings. 


COMING  OF  THE  MAIL.  63 

The  influence  of  kind  words  from  those  we  love, 
in  our  absence  from  them,  is  more  powerful  than 
that  of  the  human  voice  in  conversation.  It  is  to 
us  a  visible  testimony  of  the  mystic  chord  which 
unites  hearts  in  common  sympathy,  and  the 
imagination  at  once  clothes  the  sentiment  with 
personality.  For  this  reason  an  old  letter  is  made  to 
supply  the  place  of  one  we  hoped  to  receive.  There 
is  nothing  new — for  we  haVe  read  it  before — but 
it  renews  the  assurance  of  continued  remembrance 
and  affection.  Yet  in  the  presence  of  the  writer 
these  old  letters  are  little  esteemed,  for  we  prefer 
the  music  of  the  voice.  Let  any  one  sit  down,  in 
the  quiet  of  home,  to  read  old  letters,  however 
interesting,  and  they  fail  to  please  as  they  did  in 
our  absence.  Even,  our  own  letters  seem  frigid 
and  uninteresting  when  read  after  the  lapse  of 
years.  Yet  they  once  came  warm  from  the  heart, 
and  afforded  a  mutual  satisfaction  to  the  writer 
and  the  receiver.  They  lose  their  interest  because 
they  are  no  longer  necessary  to  association. 

To  the  soldier  the  words  of  affection  and  friend- 
ship come  with  peculiar  interest.  The  young  man 
who  prizes  the  pious  instructions  of  his  mother  is 
more  affected  by  them  than  by  sermons  or  pray- 
ers, for  they  come  home  to  the  heart  and  elicit  a 
response  which  no  other  agency  could  call  forth. 
The  influence  of  a  mother's  love  upon  a  wayward 
son,  thus  subjected  to  direct  Christian  instruction, 


64  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

can  scarcely  be  exceeded.  Instances  are  not  un- 
usual of  the  formation  of  noble  resolutions  of 
amendment,  under  faithful  maternal  counsel. 
Many  a  devoted  wife  has  spoken  more  powerfully 
to  the  heart  of  her  husband  by  her  letters  than 
by  her  voice.  The  brother  has  been  strengthened 
by  the  unselfish  affection  of  a  sister,  and  the  admo- 
nitions of  the .  father  have  enabled  the  son  to 
triumph  over  temptations  into  which  others  have 
fallen.  The  degree  of  influence  exerted  for  the 
good  of  the  soldiers  by  their  faithful  friends  at 
home  can  never  be  known,  except  by  those  who 
have  been  benefited  thereby.  Those  who  have 
thus  been  restrained  from  vice  and  encouraged  in 
the  pursuit  of  virtue  know  full  well  how  to  appre- 
ciate the  homes  to  which  they  now  return. 

The  value  of  friendly  counsel  to  those  in  the 
army  has  an  illustration  in  the  encouragement 
which  all  who  love  their  country  have  afforded  to 
those  engaged  in  the  service,  to  faithfully  and 
cheerfully  discharge  their  duty.  Thus  strengthened 
by  wise  counsels  the  true  soldier  has  gone  untar- 
nished through  the  struggle,  proudly  conscious  of 
having  fulfilled  his  sacred  obligations.  Through 
the  medium  of  correspondence  with  the  good  and 
true  the  sentiment  of  the  people  and  the  army  was 
kept  in  unison,  and  the  loyalty  of  both  to  the  great 
principles  involved  in  the  conflict  was  mutually 
stimulated  by  the  simple  influence  thus  exerted. 


COMING  OF  THE  MAILS.  55 

The  social  and  civil  ties  that  bound  the  masses  and 
the  country's  defenders  together  were  thus  made 
like  a  three-fold  cord,  that  could  not  be  broken. 
It  would  be  difficult  to  conceive  the  weight  of 
influence  exerted  upon  the  two  great  armies  in  the 
field,  by  the  intelligence  received  from  home  con- 
cerning the  hopes  and  purposes  of  the  loyal  peo- 
ple. Triumph  of  principle  and  patriotism  over 
partisan  and  treasonable  combinations  at  the  ballot 
box  gave  fresh  impulse  to  the  energies  of  the  sol- 
dier, while  his  victory  in  return  stimulated  more 
vigorous  effort  by  the  citizen.  In  the  exercise  of 
this  mutual  encouragement — the  very  soul  of 
patriotic  correspondence  between  the  people  and 
the  army — our  ultimate  triumph  was  rendered 
sure,  and  the  pen  of  the  humblest  mother,  urging 
her  son  to  constant  devotion,  was,  like  the  weapon 
he  bore  to  the  conflict,  employed  on  the  side  of 
right,  and  gave  no  small  influence  in  the  scale. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

WINTER  QUARTERS  AT  GRAND  JUNCTION. 

On  our  arrival  at  this  place  we  were  ordered 
into  camp  in  a  corn-field  north  Of  the  town,  a 
miserable  situation  for  the  season.  Here  the 
Regiment  remained  from  the  9th  of  January  to  the 
12th  of  March.  The  Memphis  and  Charleston 
Railroad  was  soon  re-opened,  and  communication 
with  Corinth  and  Memphis,  via  Jackson,  was 
maintained.  All  our  supplies  reached  us  from 
the  latter  place,  on  account  of  the  destruction  of  a 
large  amount  of  trestle-work  on  the  Mississippi 
Central  Railroad,  north  of  Jackson.  Memphis,  and 
the  line  of  communication  thence  to  Corinth,  were 
held  by  the  Sixteenth  Corps,  Major  General  Hurl- 
but  succeeding  General  Hamilton  in  command. 
The  duty  of  the  troops  consisted  chiefly  in  guard 
and  picket,  which,  under  more  fayorable  circum- 
stances might  have  been  pleasant.  But  the  loca- 
tion, and  inclemency  of  the  season,  with  poor 
water  and  previous  exposure,  produced  disease,  of 


WINTER   QUARTERS.  67 

which  about  forty  men  died  during  the  period  of 
our  stay  at  this  place.  The  record  of  the  two 
months  spent  at  Grand  Junction  presents  scarcely 
a  redeeming  feature,  and  will  ever  be  remembered 
with  feelings  of  sadness  by  the  surviving  members 
of  the  Regiment. 

The  troops  were  forbidden  to  make  use  of  unoc- 
cupied buildings  and  fences  to  render  their  quarters 
comfortable  and  healthy,  the  result  of  which  was 
that  many  of  the  men  slept  for  months  on  the 
damp  ground,  under  cover  of  their  bell  tents,  into 
which  they  were  crowded  and  compelled  to  spend 
most  of  their  time,  especially  during  the  rainy 
season.  A  rude  chimney  at  one  end,  opposite  the 
entrance,  rendered  these  winter  habitations  barely 
endurable.  Yet,  while  blessed  with  health,  con- 
tentment was  a  constant  guest  of  the  soldier's 
quarters.  But  when  disease  began  to  prevail,  it 
was  not  strange  that  thoughts  of  home  should 
induce  home-sickness.  To  while  away  the  long 
winter  evenings  various  plans  were  resorted  to. 
Some  discussed  questions  of  science  or  the  pros- 
pects of  the  war.  Others  dwelt  on  the  scenes  of 
their  brief  but  eventful  period  of  service,  while 
many  indulged  in  merriment  or  games  of  skill  or 
chance.  The  use  of  cards,  and  even  gambling, 
was  not  unusual,  for  in  a  regiment  of  men  col- 
lected from  all  ranks  of  society  a  multiplicity  of 
characters  will  be  found.  On  the  contrary,  a 


58  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

select  few  would  occasionally  meet  in  one  of  the 
tents  to  spend  an  evening  in  prayer  and  religious 
conversation,  and  many  happy  hours  were  thus 
occupied.  All  found  a  common  interest  in  writing 
letters  to  absent  friends,  and  the  correspondence 
of  these  men  during  this  period  must  have  been 
peculiarly  interesting  to  friends  at  home ;  for  the 
soldier's  letter  is  a  miniature  of  his  own  experience 
and  observation,  which  was  at  this  time  one  of 
trial  and  affliction. 

During  the  months  of  January,  February,  and 
the  former  part  of  March,  more  than  forty  of  the 
Regiment  died  of  disease.  In  all  the  new  regi- 
ments of  the  Division  a  great  mortality  prevailed 
during  the  winter,  while  comparatively  few  of  the 
old  soldiers  died.  This  was  no  doubt  attributable 
to  their  acquired  power  of  endurance,  which 
enabled  them  to  bear  the  exposure  of  the  recent 
campaign  and  the  inclemency  of  the  winter  season. 
It  is  always  observable  that  during  the  first  year  a 
new  regiment  suffers  more  from  disease  than  in  all 
the  latter  period  of  the  service-.  Still  it  is  not  a 
little  remarkable  that  many  of  those  who  died  of 
sickness  were  among  the  most  rugged  men  of  the 
Regiment 

Soon  after  reaching  Grand  Junction,  Dr.  Lomax 
joined  the  Regiment  from  detached  service,  and  the 
three  Surgeons  were  present  with  the  command, 
Dr.  Lomax  taking  quarters  at  the  Regimental 


WINTER   QUARTERS.  59 

Hospital  in  town,  and  Drs.  Taylor  and  Campfield 
remaining  with  the  Regiment  at  camp,  visiting 
the  patients  in  hospital  every  morning  and  even- 
ing. The  Union  Hotel  was  occupied  jointly  by 
the  Twelfth  and  One  Hundredth  Indiana  Volun- 
teers for  hospital  purposes,  excepting  a  few  lower 
rooms  which  were  previously  held  by  the  Medical 
Department  of  the  Fifteenth  Michigan,  then  on 
provost  duty  at  the  place.  In  February,  Dr. 
Campfield  was  detached  from  the  Regiment,  and 
ordered  to  report  to  Millikin's  Bend,  La.,  for  duty 
in  General  Hospital,  where  he  remained  till  July 
following. 

The  record  of  mortality  begins  with  the  death  of 
David  P.  Gilpin,  of  Co.  K,  January  6th,  while  the 
Regiment  was  en  route  to  Grand  Junction  from 
Holly  Springs.  This  young  man  died  at  the  latter 
place,  on  his  way  to  General  Hospital.  His  brother, 
belonging  to  the  same  Company,  knew  nothing  of 
the  event  till  he  was  buried.  Sergeant  Milford  D. 
Jones,  of  Co.  C,  and  Cyrus  Hart,  of  Co.  F,  were 
also  left,  at  Holly  Springs,  and  subsequently  died 
at  La  Grange,  Tennessee.  The  first  death  at 
Grand  Junction  was  that  of  George  Craig,  of  Co. 
C,  January  18th.  Professor  Adolph  Genning, 
leader  of  the  Band,  though  not  a  member  of  the 
Regiment,  fell  dead,  of  apoplexy,  the  same  day, 
after  eating  a  hearty  breakfast.  They  were  both 


60  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

buried  in  the  same  grave,  with  the  usual  cere- 
monies which  are  observed  on  funeral  occasions 
in  the  army.  The  procession  moves  to  the  grave 
in  the  following  order :  The  Band,  playing  a 
funeral  march ;  the  corpse,  in  ambulance,  with  the 
pall-bearers  marching  abreast;  the  escort,  with 
arms  reversed;  the  Company,  in  reverse  order, 
without  arms,  led  by  the  Chaplain.  On  reaching 
the  grave  the  escort  is  formed  in  two  files,  on  one 
side  of  the  open  vault,  presenting  arms  while  the 
coifin  is  borne  to  the  grave  and  placed  in  position 
for  lowering  into  the  earth.  The  funeral  services 
are  performed,  which,  with  us,  consisted  of  reading 
Scripture,  a  few  practical  remarks,  and  prayer,  at 
the  close  of  which  the  coffin  is  deposited  in  its 
place,  the  escort  again  presenting  arms.  The 
military  honors  are  paid  by  the  escort  firing  three 
volleys  of  blank  cartridge  over  the  grave,  when 
the  procession  returns  in  the  same  order  in  which 
it  came,  the  grave  being  filled  by  those  who  remain. 
Usually  large  numbers  attended  the  funerals,  and 
exhibited  a  sincere  respect  for  their  departed  com- 
rades in  arms.  The  contrast  between  a  burial 
scene,  as  thus  described,  and  a  funeral  occasion  in 
civil  life  is  BO  marked  as  to  deeply  impress  the 
mind  of  one  who  for  the  first  time  witnesses  the 
solemn  scene.  There  are  no  weeping  friends, 
though  the  absence  of  tears  does  not  prove  the 
absence  of  grief,  and  especially  no  mother,  wife, 


WINTER   QUARTERS.  61 

or  sister,  to  rouse  our  sympathy  and  call  forth  the 
manly  tear  of  sorrow.  The  plain  coffin,  or  rude 
box,  containing  the  uniformed  soldier,  wrapped  in 
his  blanket,  is  in  striking  contrast  with  the  orna- 
mented shrine  in  which  we  are  accustomed  to 
deposit  the  sacred  dust  of  those  who  are  borne 
from  our  homes  to  the  rest  of  the  grave.  All 
these  combine  to  render  the  first  burial  scene  in 
the  army  one  of  the  most  impressive  in  the  records 
of  memory. 

The  following  is  a  full  list  of  those  who  died 
from  the  date  of  our  first  burial  to  the  20th  of 
March,  at  which  time  the  patients  were  removed 
from  Grand  Junction,  to  join  the  Regiment  at 
Camp  Loomis,  near  Collierville : 

January  17th  —  John  B.  Tirey,  Company  H. 
January  22d —  Corporal  Isaac  E.  Jones,  Company  D. 
January  28th  —  John  Alter,  Company  F.  • 
Ja  nuary  30th  —  John  H.  Darr,  Company  F. 
January  3lst  —  Sergeant  Edwin  Robinson,  Company  H. 
February  5th  —  William  Olvy,  Company  H. 
February  7th  —  Abel  A.  Wheeler,  Company  F. 
February  10th  —  Peter  B.  Lennen,  Company  G. 
February  14th  —  George  W.  Davis,  Company  D. 
February  14th  —  Joseph  Fawcett,  Company  H. 
February  15th  —  John  Thompson,  Company  E. 
February  17th  —  Silas  Dern,  Company  D. 
February  19th  —  Washington  Custer,  Company  D. 
February  20th  —  Henry  Noll,  Company  K. 
February  21st — Sergeant  Major  Larrey  D.  McFarlana. 
February  21st  —  Henry  Hall,  Company  H. 


62  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

February  22d  —  Frank  Seman,  Company  B. 

February  22d —  Robert  W.  McCallister,  Company  K. 

February  23d  —  Lewis  Michael,  Company  G. 

February  24th  —  Sergeant  Thomas  L.  Huston,  Company  G. 

February  24th  —  Eli  Bray,  Company  E. 

February  25th  —  Thornton  R.  Turner,  Company  H. 

March  2d  —  Franklin  Eldridge,  Company  D. 

March  3d  —  Hampton  D.  Johnson,  Company  D. 

March  4th  —  George  W.  Colvin,  Company  D. 

March  5th  —  John  McVey,  Company  G. 

March  6th  —  Lewis  Allen,  Company  C. 

March  6th  —  Levi  Creviston,  Company  C. 

March  7th  —  Sampson  Strock,  Company  A. 

March  7th  —  Henry  Cuffle,  Co.  I. 

March  8th  —  Second  Lieut.  Wm.  C.  Kirkpatrick,  Company  L 

March  10th  —  David  H.  Davidson,  Company  H. 

March  12th  —  Isaac  Pontious,  Co.  I. 

March  13th  —  John  C.  Carrell,  Company  H. 

March  14th  —  Corporal  Jonathan  Magner,  Company  F. 

March  18th  —  William  A.  Schooler,  Company  C. 

March  18th  —  William  Ware,  Company  E. 

March  20th  —  John  Dunn,  Company  C. 

It  was  a  painful  task  to  communicate  to  the 
friends  of  these  noble  men  the  sad  intelligence  of 
their  death,  as  one  by  one  they  passed  away.  A 
thousand  incidents  connected  with  the  illness  and. 
dying  hour  of  the  persons  named  in  the  preced- 
ing list  rise  to  view  on  the  page  of  memory.  A 
few  of  these  will  be  noted.  Fourteen  of  the  num- 
ber left  families  to  mourn  their  loss,  the  remaining 
twenty-four,  with  the  three  previously  mentioned, 
being  young  men,  in  the  very  prime  of  manhood. 


WINTER   QUARTERS.  63 

most  of  whom  possessed  vigorous  constitutions, 
and  struggled  long  with  disease  for  the  mastery. 
The  wonderful  tenacity  of  life  exhibited  by  John 
H.  Darr  is  worthy  of  special  mention.  This  young 
man  was  one  of  the  strongest  in  the  Regiment, 
and  in  his  long  conflict  he  never  once  became 
discouraged,  or  allowed  a  doubt  of  his  recovery  to 
enter  his  mind,  and  to  the  very  last  moment 
retained  the  full  determination  to  conquer  the 
disease  which  had  assailed  his  vital  energies.  In  a 
moment  the  heart  of  the  resolute  man  was  stilled 
in  death.  The  silver  cord  was  loosed,  the  golden 
bowl  was  broken,  and  the  spirit  had  returned  to 
God  who  gave  it. 

One  of  these  had  been  a  man  of  intemperate 
habits,  and  the  withdrawal  of  the  accustomed  stim- 
ulant roused  to  fiercer  action  the  thirst  for  drink. 
Enfeebled  by  disease,  he  would  suddenly  become 
•pulseless  and  rigid  as  a  corpse,  presenting  every 
appearance  of  death.  After  a  short  time  a  faint 
indication  of  life,  accompanied  with  a  moan 
scarcely  audible,  could  be  detected  by  the  pulse. 
From  this  condition  he  would  gradually  rouse  to 
almost  superhuman  strength,  requiring  great  effort 
to  keep  him  in  subjection,  the  moan  meantime 
swelling  and  rising  to  the  most  fearful  screams, 
which  resounded  far  and  wide,  hi  the  solemn  still- 
ness of  the  night.  Several  of  these  terrible  scenes 
occurred,  when  at  last  death  supervened,  and  the 


64  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

unfortunate  man  had  met  his  fate,  a  solemn  warn- 
ing to  those  who  are  the  slaves  of  appetite. 

A  far  different  scene  was  presented  at  the  death- 
bed of  Franklin  Eldridge,  who  felt  that  the  sands 
of  life  were  almost  run,  and  spent  his  last  moments 
in  commending  his  soul  to  God.  Being  asked  what 
message  he  had  to  leave  his  for  widowed  mother, 
he  opened  his  eyes,  when  he  had  ceased  his  silent 
prayer  for  divine  strength,  while  a  glow  of  un- 
earthly beauty  spread  over  and  lighted  up  his 
features,  and  calmly  replied,  "  Tell  her  I  am  hap- 
pier than  she  or  any  one  else  can  be  in  this  world." 
The  reflected  light  of  the  upper  world,  from  the 
countenance  of  of  the  dying  youth,  fell  upon  the 
hearts  of  all  who  witnessed  the  scene,  and  Lieut. 
Kirkpatrick,  who  lay  by  his  side,  and  who  also 
soon  died,  caught  the  sacred  influence  and  shouted 
"  Glory  to  God."  It  was  there  we  realized  that 
"  the  chamber  where  the  good  man  meets  his  fate 
is  far  beyond  the  common  walks  of  life,  quite  on 
the  verge  of  heaven." 

The  death  of  Larrey  D.  McFarlane  involved  all 
who  knew  him  in  sorrow.  His  cheerfulness  and 
assiduity  in  the  performance  of  duty,  added  to  his 
noble  moral  character,  rendered  him  dear  to  all. 
To  those  who  knew  him  intimately  and  observed 
the  inner  promptings  of  his  life,  he  could  not  but 
be  an  object  of  tender  solicitude  and  affection. 
The  unparalleled  devotion  of  this  young  man  to 


WINTER   QUARTERS.  65 

his  mother  excluded  all  base  motives  and  inspired 
him  with  lofty  desires  and  purposes.  From  care- 
ful study  of  his  rare  affection,  combined  with  a 
good  native  intellect,  well  cultivated  for  one  of  his 
years,  we  could  not  look  upon  his  familiar  fea- 
tures, cold  in  the  embrace  of  death,  without  deep 
feelings  of  sadness  at  the  loss  of  so  true  a  friend, 
which  enabled  us  to  sympathize  with  the  afflicted 
mother,  who  immediately  hastened  to  him,  on 
hearing  of  his  dangerous  illness.  But  he  had 
been  laid  to  rest  several  days  previous  to  her  arri- 
val, and  she  bore  his  remains  with  her  to  the 
scenes  of  his  childhood,  sharing  the  warm  sympa- 
thies of  the  Regiment. 

The  remains  of  Sergeant  Robinson  and  John  B. 
Tirey  were  disinterred  and  taken  home.  The 
father  of  the  former,  while  at  Memphis,  on  his 
return  with  the  precious  dust,  also  died  very  mys- 
teriously, being  found  dead  in  his  bed,  with  no 
visible  marks  of  violence  upon  his  body,  and  he 
was  borne  to  his  doubly  afflicted  family,  to  share 
with  his  son  the  grave  he  had  purchased  with  his 
own  life.  Joseph  Fawcett,  Silas  Dern,  Sergeant 
Huston,  Eli  Bray,  Franklin  Eldridge,  Levi  Crevis- 
ton,  Lieutenant  Kirkpatrick  and  Jonathan  Magner 
were  also  taken  home  for  burial. 

This  sad  chapter  in  the  volume  of  experience, 
written  in  the  memories  of  all  who  shared  in  the 
trials  of  that  period,  closed  with  the  removal  of 


66  VICKSBURG  TO    RALEIGH. 

the  Regimental  Hospital  to  the  pleasant  and 
healthy  position  to  which  the  Regiment  preceded 
us  on  the  13th  day  of  March.  The  number  of  pa- 
tients in  hospital  at  the  date  of  removal,  March 
20th,  was  about  thirty,  seven  of  whom  remained, 
under  care  of  Dr.  Taylor,  till  the  26th.  Among 
those  was  John  Dunn,  of  Company  C,  who  died  of 
small-pox,  on  the  20th.  Most  of  those  who  died 
at  Camp  Loomis  were  the  victims  of  disease  in- 
duced at  Grand  Junction,  and  others  were  unfitted 
for  service  in  consequence  of  protracted  illness, 
during  the  winter.  The  prevailing  disease  was 
typhoid  fever,  in  its  most  malignant  form,  often 
succeeded  by  chronic  derangement  of 'the  diges- 
tive organs,  from  which  secondary  cause  a  number 
died.  The  effective  strength  of  the  Regiment  was 
reduced  nearly  one  hundred  men  during  the  first 
six  months  of  our  service  in  Mississippi  and  Ten- 
nesse,  from  disease  alone. 

The  following  promotions  were  made  during 
this  period. 

1st  Lieut,  llezekiah  Beeson,  Co.  C,  to  Captain 
vice  Cubberly,  resigned,  March  1st,  1863. 

2d  Lieut.  E.  S.  Lenfesty,  Co.  C,  to  1st  Lieu- 
tenant, vice  Beeson,  promoted,  March  1st,  1863. 

Orderly  Sergt.  C.  F.  Mather,  Co.  C,  to  2d  Lieu- 
tenant, vice  Lenfesty,  promoted,  March  1st,  1863. 

1st  Lieut  Thos.  N.  Peoples,  to  Captain,  vice 
Rooker,  resigned,  March  1st,  1863. 


WINTER   QUARTERS.  67 

Orderly  Sergt.  Robt.  R.  Scott,  Co.  E,  to  2d  Lieu- 
tanant,  vice  Day,  killed  in  action,  to  date  from 
Nov.  22d,  1862,  and  to  1st  Lieut.,  vice  Peoples, 
promoted,  March  1st,  1863. 

Sergeant  Samuel  Shenafelt,  Co.  E,  to  2d  Lieu- 
tenant, vice  Scott,  promoted,  March  1st,  1863. 

2d  Lieut.  Thos.  J.  Anderson,  Co.  I,  to  Captain, 
vice  Wells,  resigned,  Dec.  24th,  1862. 

Orderly  Sergt.  Wm.  C.  Kirkpatrick,  Co.  I,  to 
1st  Lieutenant,  vice  Wescott,  killed  in  action, 
Dec.  24th,  1862. 

Sergeant  Lemuel  Hazzard,  Co.  I,  to  2d  Lieu- 
tenant, vice  Anderson,  promoted,  Dec.  24th,  1862. 

1st  Lieut,  Robt.  W.  Weatherinton,  Co.  A,  was 
detailed  as  A.  R.  Q.  M.,  on  the  capture  of  Quar- 
termaster McClellan,  and  continued  to  fill  the 
position  during  his  absence. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


CAMP  AT  FORT  LOOMIS. 

The  Regiment  was  transferred  to  the  First  Brig- 
ade—  Colonel  John  Mason  Loomis,  of  the  Twenty- 
sixth  Illinois,  commanding — March  12th,  and 
assigned  to  duty  at  level's  Station,  on  the  Mem- 
phis and  Charleston  Railroad,  twenty  miles  east  of 
the  former  place.  Four  miles  of  the  road  were 
held  by  the  Regiment,  which  was  posted  as  fol- 
lows: Six  Companies  at  level's  Station — Compa- 
nies A,  C,  E,  and  H,  being  stationed  at  intervals,  east 
and  west,  between  Collierville  and  German  town. 
These  Companies  were  relieved  by  others  during 
the  following  month,  and  these  in  May,  by  others 
still. 

The  Brigade  consisted  of  the  Twenty-sixth  and 
Ninetieth  Illinois,  Twelfth  and  One  Hundredth  In- 
diana, with  head-quarters  at  Collierville,  four 
miles  east,  where  the  Twenty-sixth  Illinois  and  a 
part  of  the  One  Hundredth  Indiana  were  stationed, 
a  detachment  of  the  latter  Regiment  occupying  a 


CAMP  AT  FORT  LOOMIS.  69 

position  farther  east,  while  the  Ninetieth  Illinois 
held  Lafayette.  Brigadier  General  William  Sooy 
Smith  superseded  General  Denver  in  command  of 
the  Division,  on  the  28th  of  March. 

Our  stay  at  this  place  was  in  striking  contrast 
with  the  period  of  suffering  through  which  we  had 
recently  passed  at  Grand  Junction.  The  influence 
of  the  pure  air  and  good  water  revived  the  droop- 
ing spirits  of  those  who  were  not  hopelessly  dis- 
eased—  of  which  latter  class  a  number  died — and 
gave  new  vigor  to  those  who  had  escaped  from  the 
contagious  influences  of  our  former  situation. 
The  camp  was  all  that  could  be  desired.  Embow- 
ered in  a  beautiful  grove  of  native  oaks — which 
constituted  the  park  of  a  large  and  valuable  plan- 
tation, owned  by  a  Mr.  Bedford — we  rejoiced  in 
the  pure  air  and  genial  shade,  almost  forgetful 
that  we  were  in  an  enemy's  land.  The  pleasant 
scenes  around  us  scarcely  admitted  the  thought  of 
war's  rude  shocks,  but  spoke  sweetly  of  the  peace- 
ful days  of  the  past.  Our  letters  were  no  longer 
filled  with  gloomy  forebodings,  induced  by  an 
atmosphere  of  pestilence  and  death  around  us. 
Anxious  care  was  banished  from  our  own  minds, 
and  we  sought  to  impress  our  friends  at  home  with 
the  idea  of  ambrosial  pleasures  in  our  new  and 
lovely  camp. 

But  one  thing  indicated  that  ours  was  not  a 
mere  pastime,  and  that  danger  lurked  around  this 


70  VICKSBtmO   TO   RALEIGH. 

delightful  spot.  A  strong  stockade  was  in  course 
of  construction  in  our  front,  near  the  railroad, 
under  the  direction  of  Lieutenant  Godown,  of 
Company  K.  This  was  octagonal  in  form,  with 
a  diameter  of  fifty  feet,  enclosed  with  strong  posts 
of  oaik — closely  fitted  and  set  in  the  earth  to  the 
depth,  of  three  feet — with  port  holes  for  musketry, 
and  a  deep  moat  without.  The  interior  was  inter- 
sected by  a  transverse  line,  similarly  constructed, 
running  diagonally  with  the  front  face,  which  was 
on  a  parallel  with  the  line  of  the  railroad.  It  was 
designed  to  afford  protection  against  the  enemy 
from  whatever  direction  an  attack  might  be  made, 
-but  was  never  required  for  defense. 

The  wealthy  planters  had  been  deprived  of  all 
the  means  of  carrying  on  their  usual  operations, 
including  their  slaves,  who  had  left  them  to  enjoy 
their  newly  acquired  freedom.  The  inhabitants 
were  chiefly  disloyal,  though  some  professed  to 
entertain  Union  sentiments.  Among  these  was 
Bedford,  who  owned  three  thousand  acres  of  land 
in  that  vicinity,  while  his  neighbor,  Nevel  made 
no  secret  of  his  alliance  with  the  rebellion.  His 
frankness  entitled  him  to  a  degree  of  respect  of 
which  Bedford  was  not  worthy,  under  the  guise  of 
loyalty,  being  utterly  destitute  of  moral  principle, 
and  unquestionably  a  malignant  rebel  in  the  day 
of  Confederate  rule.  During  the  operations  of  the 
spring  campaigns,  both  East  and  West,  the  least 


CAMP  AT  FORT  LOOMIS.  71 

tendency  of  the  balanced  scale  in  favor  of  the 
South  was  evidently  received  with  increased  grati- 
fication by  the  wealthier  classes,  the  women  ven- 
turing to  speak  boldly  their  true  sentiments,  and 
predicting  disaster  to  our  cause  in  the  pending 
operations  at  Vicksburg,  and  that  we  could  never 
reduce  the  place,  nor  occupy  Richmond.  A  deep 
gloom  was  produced  in  their  minds  by  the  prema- 
ture announcement,  in  May,  of  the  occupation  of 
the  rebel  Capital.  The  cheerfulness  of  the  soldiers 
was  in  marked  contrast  with  the  despondency  of 
the  citizens.  Captain  Ira  J.  Bloomfield,  A.  A. 
General  of  the  Brigade,  addressed  the  Regiment  in 
an  ecstacy  of  delight,  and  all  felt  encouraged  to 
look  for  an  early  triumph  of  our  cause.  The  con- 
tradiction of  the  report  which  followed,  and  the 
intelligence  of  our  reverse  at  Chancellorville  had 
a  depressing  influence  upon  us,  while  the  faces  of 
the  disloyal  inhabitants  were  wreathed  in  smiles. 
Our  deep  chagrin  over  the  unfortunate  result  to 
our  arms  and  our  premature  rejoicing  over  sup- 
posed victory  was  not  forgotten,  and  when,  two 
years  later,  the  news  flashed  over  the  land  that 
Richmond  had  fallen  those  who  had  been  deceived 
were  distrustful. 

Yet  the  confidence  of  the  army  was  not  essen- 
tially impaired.  The  temporary  defeat  of  Sher- 
man at  Chickasaw  Bayou,  and  the  failure  of  the 
effort  to  divert  the  channel  of  the  Mississippi 


72  VICKSBURO  TO   RALEIGH. 

through  the  celebrated  canal  did  not  deter  General 
Grant  from  new  and  bolder  plans  for  the  attain- 
ment of  his  object.  By  running  the  batteries  with 
transports,  under  the  most  fearful  storm  of  iron 
hail,  he  secured  the  means  of  placing  his  army  on 
the  east  bank  of  the  river,  below  Vicksburg,  and 
by  a  series  of  brilliant  victories  compelled  the 
enemy  to  retire  from  Jackson  into  his  defenses. 
These  successes  repaired  the  shock  produced  upon 
the  public  mind  by  the  reverse  in  the  East,  and 
were  speedily  followed  by  still  greater  triumphs. 

While  Vicksburg  was  thus  being  enveloped  by 
our  army,  and  attracting  the  attention  of  the 
country  to  the  theatre  of  a  struggle  for  the  key  to 
the  Confederacy,  nothing  was  occurring  in  West- 
ern Tennessee.  Rosecrans  confronted  the  enemy 
at  Tullahoma,  while  in  the  East  Lee  was  repeating 
his  effort  to  flank  Washington.  The  hour  of 
decisive  action  was  approaching,  and  re-inforce- 
ments  were  moving  down  the  Mississippi  to  aid  in 
the  reduction  of  the  rebel  stronghold.  The  with- 
drawal of  a  portion  of  the  Sixteenth  Corps  from 
Western  Tennessee  was  ordered  in  the  latter  part 
of  May,  and  a  scene  of  activity  followed.  The 
First  Division  was  designated  for  the  required 
duty,  and  began  the  work  of  concentration  prepar- 
atory to  movement  to  the  scene  of  hostilities. 

Our  pleasant  summer  quarters  at  Fort  Loomis 
were  abandoned,  early  on  the  morning  of  May 


CAMP  AT  FORT  LOOMIS.  73 

24th,  after  ten  weeks  of  such  enjoyment  as  seldom 
falls  to  the  lot  of  troops  in  time  of  war.  The 
memory  of  that  period  will  ever  be  dear  to  many 
hearts.  The  health  of  the  Regiment  was  fully 
restored  and  its  efficiency  greatly  improved.  Colo- 
nel Williams  and  Quartermaster  McClellan,  hav- 
ing been  exchanged,  returned  on  the  16th  of  May. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Kempton  having  received 
leave  of  absence,  on  account  of  ill  health,  on  the 
5th  day  of  May,  Major  Goodnow  held  command 
of  the  Regiment  till  the  arrival  of  Colonel  Wil- 
liams. 

The  following  promotions  were  made  at  Camp 
Loomis: 

Orderly  Sergeant  Allen  8.  Conner,  Co.  A,  to 
2nd  Lieutenant,  vice  Wright,  discharged,  to  date 
from  February  3rd,  1863. 

2nd  Lieutenant  Lemuel  Hazzard,  Co.  I,  to 
First  Lieutenant,  vice  Kirkpatrick,  deceased,  April 
7th,  1863. 

Orderly  Sergeant  James  H.  Weaver,  Co.  I, 
to  2nd  Lieutenant,  vice  Hazzard,  promoted,  April 
7th,  1863. 

The  number  of  deaths  in  hospital  during  the 
same  period  was  fourteen,  viz : 

March  18th — Corporal  Albert  Benson,  Company  B. 
April  3rd — Jacob  Greeson,  Company  E. 
April  5th — James  Richardson,  Company  A. 
April  7th — Isaac  Kirkpatrick,  Company  F. 
i) 


74  VICKSBURQ   TO   RALEIGH. 

April  10th — David  Thompson,  Company  E. 
April  12th — Peter  Patrani,  Company  E. 
April  13th — Albert  G,  Stanton,  Company  A. 
April  16th — Corporal  Addison  K.  Bell,  Company  B. 
April  16th — Robert  McClary,  Company  A. 
April  25th — Andrew  J.  Messersmith,  Company  F. 
April  26th  —  David  Wallace,  Company  F. 
April  27th — William  H.  Ferguson,  Company  A. 
April  30th — John  G.  Irelan,  Company  D. 
May  10th— John  T.  Butler,  Company  H. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

THE  VICKSBURG  CAMPAIGN. 

Public  attention  was  directed  almost  exclusively 
to  the  theatre  of  events  on  the  Mississippi.  The 
series  of  battles  at  Grand  Gulf,  Port  Gibson,  Ray- 
mond, Clinton,  Edward's  Station,  Jackson,  Bridge- 
port, Champion  Hill,  and  Black  River  Bridge,  had 
been  attended  with  considerable  loss  on  our  side, 
but  in  each  we  had  gained  a  decisive  triumph, 
with  the  additional  advantage  of  'holding  the  ene- 
my's line  of  communication,  upon  the  retention 
of  which  our  success  alone  depended.  If  the 
pending  effort  of  Johnston  to  to  raise  the  siege,  by 
compelling  Grant  to  abandon  his  position  in  rear 
of  Yicksburg,  should  prove  successful,  the  advan- 
tages of  the  recent  victories  would  be  greatly  dimin- 
ished, if  not  entirely  lost,  for,  with  the  restoration 
of  his  communications,  the  enemy  could  at  once 
re-inforce  and  supply  the  garrison  and  endanger 
our  own  base  of  operations,  which  had  been  secured 
to  us  at  Chickasaw  Bayou,  by  the  evacuation  of  the 


76  VICKSBURG    TO    RALEIGH. 

almost  impregnable  position  at  Haines'  Bluff,  on 
the  withdrawal  of  the  entire  rebel  force  into  the 
defenses  around  the  city.  Johnston's  plan  aimed  to 
re-occupy  the  lost  ground,  by  cutting  off  our  com- 
munications, for  which  purpose  he  was  threatening 
our  right  flank  and  rear  from  the  Big  Black.  The 
absolute  necessity  of  providing  against  the  success 
of  this  plan  led  to  the  order  for  re-inforcements 
from  Kentucky  and  Tennessee. 

The  army  investing  Vicksburg  consisted  of  three 
Corps,  disposed  as  follows;  the  Fifteenth,  under 
Major  General  "W.  T.  Sherman,  on  the  right,  the 
Thirteenth,  under  Major  General  John  A.  McCler- 
nand,  occupying  the  center,  and  the  Seventeenth, 
under  Major  General  J.  B.  McPherson,  on  the  left. 
The  line  thus  formed  extended  from  the  river 
above  the  city,  for  a  distance  of  fifteen  miles,  to 
the.  river  below.  )  This  entire  force  was  requisite 
to  hold  the  fortified  lines  against  the  besieged, 
while  our  strength  was  insufficient  for  successful 
assault.  The  disastrous  repulse  of  Logan's  Divi- 
sion of  the  Thirteenth  Corps,  on  the  22nd  of  May, 
had  resulted  in  the  supersedure  of  General  McCler- 
nand  by  General  Ord,  and  the  prospect  of  success 
in  a  general  assault  was  not  sufficiently  flattering 
to  justify  the  attempt. 

It  was  at  this  juncture  that  orders  were  issued 
for  the  immediate  movement  of  re-inforcements  to 
the  scene  of  hostilities.  The  Ninth  Corps  was 


THE   VICKSBURG  CAMPAIGN.  77 

ordered  from  Kentucky,  and  the  First  Division  of 
the  Sixteenth  Corps  from  Western  Tennessee,  the 
Third  Division  having  preceded  us  from  Helena, 
Arkansas.  The  First  Brigade  of  the  Division 
rendezvoused  at  Collierville,  on  the  24th  of  May, 
the  Second  at  La  Grange,  and  the  Third  at  Mos- 
cow, remaining  at  these  points  till  the  7th  of  June, 
at  which  time  the  troops  marched  to  Memphis  for 
ernharkatiou.  The  entire  Division  embarked  on 
the  8th,  and  sailed  on  the  morning  of  the  9th. 
The  Division  consisted  of  three  Brigades,  com- 
manded respectively  as  follows:  First  Brigade, 
Colonel  John  Mason  Loomis,  of  the  Twenty-sixth 
Illinois;  Second  Brigade,  Colonel  Walcott,  of  the 
Forty-sixth  Ohio ;  Third  Brigade,  Colonel  Cocker- 
ell,  of  the  Seventieth  Ohio. 

'The  fleet  consisted  of  fourteen  steamers,  and 
presented  a  beautiful  spectacle  to  the  beholder,  as 
it  moved  down  the  river.  The  Regiment  was 
favored  with  a  passage  on  the  Belle  Memphis,  a 
first  class  steamer,  on  which  we  made  the  voyage 
very  pleasantly.'  Lieutenant  Colonel  Kempton 
resigned  his  position,  in  consequence  of  impaired 
health,  and  left  us  at  Memphis.  He  died  of  dis- 
ease, at  Indianapolis,  October  14th,  1863.  He  was 
an  efficient  and  noble  appearing  officer,  and  had 
held  command  of  the  Regiment  most  of  the  time 
we  remained  in  Tennessee.  Major  Goodnow  was 


78  VICKSBURa  TO   RALEIGH. 

promoted  to  fill   the   vacancy  occasioned  by  hia 
resignation,  June  9th,  1863. 

The  troops  were  in  fine  spirits,  and  a  casual 
observer  would  suppose  they  were  on  a  pleasure 
excursion,  so  full  of  life  and  animation  was  the 
scene.  Thoughts  of  unseen  dangers  did  not  avail 
to  disturb  the  quiet  of  the  present.  The  mind  was 
occupied  by  the  thoughts  suggested  by  the  ever- 
varying  panorama  presented  to  the  eye  as  we  pur- 
sued our  course.  /The  mighty  river  on  which  De 
Soto,  Hennepin,  and  La  Crosse  had  gazed  with 
glad  surprise,  and  in  whose  turbid  waters  the  first 
of  these  was  buried,  had  never  been  closed  to  the 
growing  commerce  of  the  nation,  till  the  hand  of 
rebellion  threw  a  massive  chain  across  its  sluggish 
current,  and  planted  hostile  batteries  on  the  bluffs 
that  command  the  stream.  The  cities  and  towns 
along  its  course,  bustling  with  peaceful  industry, 
and  the  beautiful  things  of  life  moving  gracefully 
upon  its  broad  bosom,  bearing  the  rich  productions 
of  the  great  Northwest  to  the  Gulf,  and  crowded 
with  forms  of  intelligence  and  beauty,  had  become 
scenes  of  busy  preparation  for  bloody  strife,  or, 
like  the  fleet  that  bore  us  on  to  our  unseen  destiny, 
bearing  legions  of  armed  men  and  all  the  horrid 
enginery  of  war  to  the  field  of  conflict.  One  by 
one  those  cities  and  towns  had  been  rescued  from 
the  hand  of  violence ;  the  chain  that  had  been 
forged  by  the  hand  of  a  generous  Government, 


THE    VICKSBURQ  CAMPAIGN.  79 

and  seized  by  perjured  traitors  to  bind  the  great 
artery  of  our  commercial  life  and  stop  its  mighty 
pulsations,  had  been  removed  by  the  same  hand 
that  wrought  it ;  those  batteries  had  been  silenced 
by  the  more  fearful  gun-boats — the  ruder  dogs  of 
war — and  those  floating  palaces  had  been  restored 
to  their  legitimate  pursuits  or  employed  in  efficient 
service  as  transports  and  floating  hospitals,  under 
the  folds  of  the  old  flag.     From  the  mouth  of  the 
Ohio   to  Vicksburg,  and  from  the   Gulf  to  Port 
Hudson,  the  pulsations  of  a  new  life  were  beating 
with   constantly  increasing   vigor,  and  before   us 
was  the  final  accomplishment  of  the  great  work  of 
opening  the  Mississippi.     The  frowning  heights  of 
the   only   remaining   strongholds  of  the  usurpers 
were  to  be  assailed  and  reduced,  and  two  armies 
were  already  closing,  with  fatal  grasp,  around  the 
beleagured  citidels.     On  the  broad  bosom  of  the 
Father  of  Waters  we  were   being  borne  to  the 
scene  of  our  triumph.     Gladly  did   noble  hearts 
respond  to  the  beautiful  language  of  nature  dressed 
in  all  her  beauty,  as  she  welcomed  us  to  the  hon- 
orable duty  of  bringing  back  to  the  paternal  arms 
of  the  Government  the  broad  and  luxuriant  Valley 
of  the  Mississippi,  with  all  its  garnered  wealth  of 
beauty  and  fertility.     The  language  of  the  heart 
was  but  an  echo  to  the  voice  of  hope,  whispering 
of  returning  prosperity  under  the  benign  influence 
of  law,  order,  and  common  equality  of  rights. 


80  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

In  all  these  Bcenes  there  was  an  air  of  peace  and 
harmony.  In  them  was  heard  the  voice  of  pater- 
nal love,  while  in  man  alone,  in  whose  heart  should 
be  found  a  unison  of  fraternal  feeling,  we  saw  the 
spirit  of  enmity.  We  were  not  so  differently  con- 
stituted that  we  could  not  harmonize  our  interests. 
A  spirit  of  jealousy,  nursed  into  life  and  power, 
under  a  false  conception  of  the  duty  of  the  Gov- 
erment,  had  transformed  our  former  brethren  into 
our  most  malignant  foes.  It  was  not  through  the 
jarring  of  individual  interests,  but  of  great  princi- 
ples, that  we  had  reached  the  relative  position  of 
enemies.  It  was  a  contest  of  truth  with  error, 
both  in  law  and  morals,  in  which  the  adherents  of 
right  and  wrong  were  but  secondary  in  importance. 
Nature,  science,  law,  morals,  and  religion  are  all 
arrayed  on  the  side  of  truth,  in  whose  defense  we 
were  engaged.  Hence  the  difference  in  the  value 
of  motives  by  which  men  are  impelled  to  action. 
Sincerity  in  error  is  not  the  equal  of  integrity  in 
truth,  and  even  the  silent  influence  of  nature 
impresses  the  heart  of  him  who  is  engaged  in  a 
noble  cause.  Hence  the  dwellers  in  the  lovely 
valleys  among  the  mountains,  before  whom  nature 
spreads  a  scene  of  mingled  beauty  and  sublimity, 
are  regarded  as  the  firm  adherents  and  defenders 
of  truth.  The  mighty  river,  with  its  beautiful 
scenery,  is  also  adapted  to  inspire  noble  sentiments 
and  give  new  courage  to  those  who  maintain  the 


THE  YICKSBURQ  CAMPAIGN.  81 

right.  The  descent  of  the  Mississippi  was  to  us, 
on  this  occasion,  suggestive  of  valuable  thoughts 
in  reference  to  the  interests  of  our  vast  country, 
which  are  recorded  on  the  page  of  memorj  if  not 
in  the  journal  of  daily  events. 

On  reaching  the  mouth  of  the  Yazoo,  the  fleet 
moved  up  the  sluggish  and  tortuous  stream,  amid 
walls  of  luxuriant  verdure,  festooned  with  Spanish 
moss,  the  view  of  which  charmed  the  eye.  After  a  . 
brief  delay  at  Chickasaw  Bayou,  the  base  of  sup- 
ply for  our  army,  we  moved  on  to  our  destination, 
and  disembarked  at  Snyder's  Bluff,  on  the  llth  of 
June.  The  Third  Division  of  our  Corps,  under 
Brigadier  General  Kimball,  was  already  encamped 
at  that  point,  and  we  were  ordered  into  camp  on 
their  left,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  recently  abandoned 
rebel  works.  Snyder's  Bluff"  is  a  continuation  of 
-Haines'  Bluff,  and  but  a  short  distance  below,  on 
the  east  bank  of  the  Yazoo.  It  was  near  this 
point  that  Gen.  Sherman  met  with  a  severe  repulse, 
in  December  previous,  at  which  time  a  strong 
force  of  the  enemy  occupied  the  heights,  which 
were  considered  the  key  to  Vicksburg. 

Strong  defenses  were  already  in  progress  of  con- 
struction on  our  arrival,  and  a  line  of  works  was 
soon  completed,  crowning  the  summit  of  a  range 
of  hills  a  mile  distant  from  the  river.  The  arrival 
of  a  portion  of  the  Ninth  Corps,  on  the  16th  of 


82  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

June,  was  soon  followed  by  that  of  the  entire  com- 
mand, under  Major  General  Parke.  These  troops 
were  posted  at  Mill  Dale,  four  miles  to  our  right, 
and  all  was  in  readiness  to  welcome  Johnston's 
advance  for  the  relief  of  Pemberton.  On  the  22d 
he  was  reported  to  be  advancing  across  the  Big 
Black,  and  the  First  Division  was  ordered  to  move 
the  next  day,  leaving  our  camps,  with  the  sick 
and  convalescents,  at  the  Bluff.  Accordingly  the 
troops  marched  early  on  the  23d,  advancing  ten 
miles,  and  camping  at  Oak  Ridge,  where  we  re- 
mained, as  a  corps  of  observation,  till  the  fall  of 
Vicksburg.  But  no  enemy  made  his  appearance 
on  the  west  side  of  the  Big  Black.  We  had  se- 
cured the  object  sought,  by  preventing  Johnston 
from  making  any  effective  demonstration  upon  our 
rear  and  base  of  supply,  for  the  relief  of  the 
besieged  garrison ;  and  the  hopelessness  of  a  suc- 
cessful defense,  with  the  complete  exhaustion  of 
supplies,  induced  General  Pemberton  to  capitulate 
with  General  Grant  for  the  surrender  of  his  entire 
command,  on  the  4th  of  July.  The  conference 
between  the  two  commanders  took  place  under  a 
large  oak,  in  the  rear  of  Port  Hill,  east  of  the 
city,  and  on  the  scene  of  the  fearful  charge  of 
May  22d.  Our  forces  occupied  the  city  the  same 
day,  and  the  main  body  of  the  army  marched  to 
meet  Johnston. 


THE   VICKSBURG  CAMPAIGN.  83 

The  fall  of  Vicksburg  was  coincident  with  the 
triumph  of  our  arms  at  Gettysburg  and  Helena, 
and  with  the  abandonment  of  Tullahoma  by 
Bragg,  pursued  by  Rosecrans.  The  fall  of  Port 
Hudson  completed  the  series  of  triumphs  which 
rendered  the  first  week  of  July,  1863,  forever 
memorable  in  the  history  of  the  great  contest. 
All  loyal  hearts  were  encouraged  to  hope  for  the 
early  dawn  of  an  honorable  peace,  while  deep  and 
fervent  gratitude  to  God  inspired  the  hearts  of 
those  who  had  faith  in  "a  Divinity  that  shapes 
our  ends,  rough-hew  them  as  we  will." 
/X0ur  success  at  Vicksburg  and  that  of  Banks  at 
Port  Hudson  gave  back  to  its  rightful  possessors 
the  great  highway  of  the  nation,  never  again  to  be 
wrested  from  its  control.  In  addition  to  the  per- 
manent severance  of  the  Confederacy,  the  capture 
of  the  entire  garrison  of  the  rebel  stronghold  was 
an  event  unprecedented  in  the  history  of  the  age, 
and  at  once  elevated  the  hero  of  the  occasion  to 
the  highest  military  rank  and  honor  which  a  grate- 
ful country  could  confer  upon  him.  *The  force 
under  Pemberton  consisted  of  eight  Major  Gener- 
als, twenty-four  Brigadiers,  three  thousand  officers 
of  lower  grades,  and  thirty-three  thousand  enlisted 
men,  all  of  whom,  with  General  Pemberton  him- 
self, were  immediately  paroled.  /  There  is  good 
reason  to  believe  that  large  numbers  of  these  men 
were  returned  to  the  service  without  exchange,  an 


84  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

act  of  bad  faith  in  perfect  keeping  with  the  char- 
acter of  the  rebel  authorities.  The  capture  of  two 
hundred  and  sixty  pieces  of  artillery,  and  sixty 
thousand  stand  of  small  arms,  many  of  which 
were  entirely  new,  added  to  the  significance  of 
the  event,  and  entitles  it  to  rank  only  second  to 
the  great  final  achievement  at  Petersburg,  under 
the  same  distinguished  commander. 

Great  complaint  was  immediately  made,  by  the 
rebel  authorities  and  press,  in  consequence  of  the 
neglect  of  General  Pemberton  to  provide  a  suf- 
ficient amount  of  supplies  for  a  state  of  siege, 
previous  to  Grant's  movement  to  the  rear  of 
Vicksburg.  It  was  reported,  upon  rebel  author- 
ity, and  was  generally  believed  by  the  people  of 
the  whole  country,  that  the  garrison  was  supplied 
for  a  much  longer  period  than  the  result  indicated. 
In  consequence  of  the  suspicion  and  blame  cast 
upon  him  by  all  classes  in  the  South,  Lieutenant 
General  Pembertou  was  returned  to  his  former 
rank,  as  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  Artillery,  in  which 
capacity  he  was  serving  at  Salisbury,  North  Caro- 
lina, at  the  close  of  the  war.  Thus  was  the  mighty 
man  fallen,  through  the  inevitable  defeat  of  the 
conspirators  in  their  boasted  citadel  of  the  South- 
west. 

It  was  stated  by  prisoners  that  there  were  not 
more  than  ten  days  rations  of  supplies  in  the  Com- 
missary's hands  when  Grant  invested  the  city,  and 


THE   VICKSBURQ  CAMPAIGN.  85 

that  the  troops  were  at  once  reduced  to  quarter 
rations.  When  the  public  supplies  were  exhausted 
those  held  by  the  citizens  were  seized,  and  issued 
to  the  troops.  The  ration,  as  issued  during  the 
continuance  of  the  supplies,  consisted  of  three 
ounces  each  of  flour,  meat,  peas,  and  rice,  with 
meal  occasionally,  plenty  of  sugar,  but  no  coffee. 
Flour  was  sold  by  speculators  at  one  dollar  per 
pound.  When  all  public  and  private  supplies  had 
failed,  as  a  last  resort  the  half-famished  mulea 
belonging  to  the  army  were  killed,  and  the  flesh 
issued  to  the  troops.  Many  refused  to  eat  this  food, 
though  pressed  by  hunger.  In  passing  through 
the  city,  a  few  days  after  the  surrender,  we  saw 
one  of  the  prisoners  carrying  to  camp  a  refuse 
bone,  which  a  hungry  dog  would  scarcely  have 
deigned  to  notice.  Our  soldiers  generously  shared 
their  rations  with  their  enemies,  who  confessed  to 
us  that  the  act  produced  peculiar  feelings,  many 
declaring  that  they  would  no  longer  fight  against 
such  men  and  in  a  hopeless  cause,  while  others 
manifested  a  fixed  purpose  to  sustain  the  failing 
fortunes  of  the  Confederacy. 

The  officers  were  boastful  and  confident  of  ulti- 
mate success,  having  discovered  that  Yicksburg, 
like  all  other  places  that  had  fallen  into  our  pos- 
session, was  not  of  essential  importance.  The 
credulity  of  some  of  this  class  was  surprising.  A 
dashing  young  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  an  Arkansas 


86  VICKSBURQ  TO  RALEIGH. 

regiment,  and  the  son  of  a  wealthy  planter,  de- 
clared that  he  had  seen  it  stated  in  our  Northern 
papers  that  the  purpose  of  the  Government  was  to 
enslave  the  whites  and  give  citizenship  to  the 
negro  in  the  South.  When  asked  if  the  paroled 
prisoners  would  be  allowed  to  go  home  till  ex- 
changed, he  replied  that  they  would  be  placed  in 
paroled  camps,  but  would  soon  be  in  the  field 
again,  as  the  Government  was  still  able  to  effect  an 
exchange,  in  consequence  of  their  preponderance 
of  prisoners  for  exchange  under  the  cartel.  He 
also  very  graciously  informed  us  that  the  Southern 
Confederacy  had  chiefly  supplied  its  troops  with 
arms  out  of  those  captured  from  us.  It  was  inti- 
mated that  not  a  few  were  stolen  by  Floyd  before 
the  war  commenced.  After  communicating  this 
valuable  information  the  chivalrous  descendant  of 
the  slave  aristocracy,  turned  contemptuously  upon 
his  heel,  saying  as  he  did  so,  "  My  name  is 
Thrasher,  and  '  thrashing'  is  my  occupation."  A 
bystander  remarked,  "  The  Thrasher  is  himself 
badly  thrashed."  Though  in  the  active  mood,  he 
was  in  the  past  tense,  and  so  was  not  a  very 
dangerous  enemy.  It  was  not  surprising  that  the 
ignorant  masses  of  the  South  were  deceived  in 
reference  to  the  issues  involved  in  the  great  con- 
flict, when  such  men  were  occupying  official  posi- 
tions in  the  rebel  army. 


THE   VICKSBURQ  CAMPAIGN.  87 

On  being  paroled  the  prisoners  passed  through 
our  lines,  under  the  direction  of  their  officers.  As 
they  found  opportunity,  they  would  slip  quietly 
away,  one  by  one,  till  the  officers  were  left  to 
make  their  way  home  alone.  A  half-concealed 
pleasure  was  perceptible  in  the  countenances  and 
conversation  of  many  of  these  misguided  men  at 
being  thrown  into  our  hands,  and  thus  allowed  to 
visit  their  homes,  from  which  many  had  not  heard 
for  months. 

Vicksburg  presented  a  scene  of  desolation  rarely 
witnessed.  Business  of  all  kinds  had  long  been 
suspended,  except  in  connection  with  military 
operations.  Grass  grew  in  the  streets,  which  were 
barricaded  to  resist  attack  from  the  river.  The 
buildings  bore  the  marks  of  the  bombardment  by 
our  gun-boats  and  batteries,  the  walls  being  perfo- 
rated by  solid  shot,  or  thrown  down  by  shells 
bursting  inside.  Numerous  caves,  or  "  gopher- 
holes,"  as  the  soldiers  termed  them,  had  been  ex- 
cavated in  the  sides  of  the  cliffs  throughout  the 
city,  to  which  the  citizens  retired  during  the 
periods  of  active  operations  by  the  fleet  and  army. 
The  reign  of  terror  during  the  siege  must  have 
been  appalling,  especially  during  the  night,  when 
the  firing  from  the  mortars  was  almost  incessant, 
shaking  the  earth  and  heavens,  and  lighting  the 
darkness  with  the  glare  of  bursting  shells. 


88  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

For  forty-eight  days  the  work  of  bombardment 
and  siege  continued.  Everywhere  along  the  lines 
of  fortifications  encircling  the  city  the  marks  of  a  f 
fearful  storm  of  shot  and  shell  were  plainly  seeu./ 
The  trees  were  stripped  of  their  branches,  and 
their  trunks  shivered  by  shot,  as  though  a  thousand 
bolts  of  lightning  had  spent  their  combined  force 
upon  them.  The  tortuous  line  of  the  enemy's 
works,  with  our  own  parallel  lines,  and  the  ap- 
proaching line  through  which  we  reached  and 
mined  Fort  Hill,  presented  abundant  evidences  of 
the  vigorous  defense  made  by  the  besieged,  and  of 
our  own  industry,  skill,  and  perseverance.  So 
vigilant  was  the  eye  of  the  sharp-shooter  that  it 
was  almost  certain  death  to  expose  the  head  above 
the  entrenchments,  and  the  appearance  of  a  hand 
drew  fire  from  a  dozen  rifles.  The  ground  within 
the  rebel  lines  of  entrenchment  was  strewn  with 
exploded  shells,  solid  shot,  and  bullets  of  various 
kinds.  The  point  of  greatest  interest  was  Fort 
Hill,  which  was  blown  up  by  Logan's  Division  of 
the  Thirteenth  Corps,  on  the  26th  of  May.  More 
than  one  hundred  of  the  enemy  were  killed  and 
wounded  on  that  occasion,  and  a  breach  was  made 
in  the  enemy's  line  which  well  nigh  secured  an 
entrance  for  our  troops.  Among  those  thrown 
from  the  fort  into  our  lines  was  a  negro,  who  es- 
caped almost  wholly  unharmed.  "When  asked 
how  he  felt  in  his  perilous  flight  he  replied  that  he 


THE   VICKSBURG  CAMPAIGN.  89 

had  little  time  to  think,  but  as  he  was  coming 
down  he  met  his  master  going  up.  Many  bodies 
were  probably  buried  in  the  ruins.  The  assault  at 
this  point  by  Logan's  Division,  on  the  22d  of  May 
was  attended  with  severe  loss.  The  charge  and 
repulse  only  occupied  fifteen  minutes,  during 
which  time  the  Twenty-third  Indiana  lost  nearly 
two  hundred  men  in  killed  and  wounded,  other 
regiments  suffering  in  about  equal  proportions  to 
the  number  engaged.  No  general  engagement 
took  place  during  the  siege,  but  it  was  believed  to 
be  the  intention  of  General  Grant  to  assault  and 
carry  the  works  of  the  enemy  on  the  4th,  had 
Pemberton  refused  to  capitulate. 

In  the  direct  operations  against  Vicksburgthe  re- 
inforcements ordered  from  Kentucky  and  Tennes- 
see had  taken  no  part.  But  they  had  rendered  suc- 
cess sure  by  guarding  the  rear  against  the  threat- 
ened attack  of  Johnston,  who  might  have  succeeded 
in  seriously  impeding,  if  not  in  suspending  the  pro- 
gress of  the  siege.  Another  feature  of  the  great  event 
is  the  presence  of  a  considerable  force  of  Eastern 
troops  in  the  Ninth  Corps,  which  tended  to  concil- 
iate the  feelings  of  distrust  and  jealousy  that  had 
been  awakened  in  the  Northwest  and  in  the  East  in 
consequence  of  the  relative  success  of  the  Eastern 
and  "Western  troops.  To  this  may  be  added  the 
fact  that  while  the  army  under  Grant,  consisting  en- 
tirely of  "Western  troops,  had  invested  and  reduced 


90  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

Vicksburg,  the  army  under  Banks,  composed  of 
Eastern  troops,  exclusively,  had  invested,  and  soon 
after  occupied  Port  Hudson,  the  last  rebel  position 
on  the  Mississippi.  Henceforth  neither  section 
could  claim  the  peculiar  honor  of  restoring  circu- 
lation to  the  great  artery  of  commerce  in  the  West, 
each  having  accomplished  a  noble  work,  in  which 
there  should  be  no  rivalry  between  the  descendants 
of  the  same  ancestry.  The  noon-day  of  the  great 
struggle  had  come,  and  the  meridian  light  was 
dispensed  with  equal  glory  over  all  the  loyal  States 
of  the  Union. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE  JACKSON  CAMPAIGN. 

On  the  occupation  of  Vicksburg  by  the  Seven- 
teenth Corps,  the  remaining  Corps  of  the  army,  viz : 
the  Ninth,  Thirteenth,  Fifteenth,  and  the  First 
Division  of  the  Sixteenth,  moved  toward  the  Big 
Black  to  engage  Johnston,  who  at  once  retreated 
to  Jackson,  closely  pursued  by  our  forces,  under 
command  of  Major  General  Sherman.  The  First 
Division  of  the  Sixteenth  Corps  was  temporarily 
attached  to  the  Ninth  Corps?  which  moved  on  the 
extreme  left  of  the  army,  the  Fifteenth  Corps 
occupying  the  centre,  and  the  Thirteenth  Corps 
the  extreme  right.  Some  skirmishing  occurred  at 
the  crossing  of  the  Big  Black,  in  which  our  Divi- 
sion suffered  a  slight  loss,  the  wounded  being  sent 
back  to  Snyder's  Bluff.  The  pursuit  continued 
without  any  engagement  till  Johnston  had  retired 
within  his  strong  defenses  around  Jackson.  These 
had  been  constructed  during  the  progress  of  the 


92  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

siege  of  Vicksburg,  and  were  very  formidable,  far 
more  so  than  those  of  Yicksburg  itself,  with  this 
difference,  that  the  natural  position  of  the  latter 
place  rendered  it  almost  impregnable,  while  Jack- 
son was  without  these  advantages.  Hence  the 
fortifications  of  the  enemy  had  been  made  very 
strong,  and  extended  in  a  semi-circle  of  several 
miles  around  the  city  on  the  west,  from  Pearl 
River  above  to  that  stream  below.  General  Sher- 
man arrived  in  front  of  the  place  on  the  llth  of 
July,  and  made  disposition  of  his  troops  for  the 
siege. 

Our  lines  being  formed,  the  batteries  opened  fire 
upon  the  enemy  on  the  12th,  eliciting  a  brisk  reply. 
Lively  skirmishing  continued  along  the  lines,  and 
Brigadier  General  Lauman,  commanding  a  Divi- 
sion of  the  Thirteenth  Corps,  made  a  rash  assault 
on  the  right,  meeting  a  severe  repulse,  and  suffer- 
ing a  heavy  loss.  For  this  unauthorized  act  he 
was  immediately  relieved,  and  subsequently  placed 
under  arrest,  by  order  of  General  Grant.  The 
fighting  continued  for  four  days,  during  the  first 
three  of  which  the  Regiment  was  under  fire, 
behind  works  most  of  the  time,  suffering  a  loss  of 
ten  men,  wounded,  on  the  14th.  Most  of  these 
were  slightly  wounded.  The  three  following  were 
admitted  to  hospital,  Davis  Catlin,  Company  G, 
Sergeant  James  A.  McDowell  and  James  Hays, 


THE   JACKSON   CAMPAIGN.  93 

Company  K.  On  the  15th  the  fighting  was  unu- 
sually severe,  our  Division  suffering  heavily.  The 
Regiment  was  this  day  in  reserve.  Our  loss  did 
not  exceed  a  thousand  in  killed  and  wounded  in  the 
operations  before  the  city. 

Johnston  evacuated  his  position  on  the  night  of 
the  15th,  retreating  toward  Meridian.  Had  he 
remained  another  day  a  severe  battle  would  have 
been  fought,  as  a  force  was  ready  to  cross  the  river 
and  cut  off  his  retreat,  while  a  strong  demonstra- 
tion was  to  be  made  upon  his  front.  No  effort  at 
pursuit  was  made.  Our  forces  occupied  the  city  on 
the  16th  of  July,  and  held  possession  till  the  23rd. 
The  place  had  suffered  severely  during  the  presence 
of  our  army  in  May,  and  the  ruthless  hand  of  war 
now  added  to  the  scene  of  desolation.  The  busi- 
ness portion  of  the  town  and  many  of  the  suburb- 
an residences  had  been  destroyed  by  fire,  while 
others  were  despoiled  of  their  magnificence.  The 
furniture  which  adorned  the  costly  mansions  was 
scattered  through  our  camps,  where  it  was  left  on 
our  return  to  Vicksburg.  Parlor  carpets  were 
removed  to  give  an  air  of  comfort  to  the  tents,  and 
the  massive  mirrors,  that  could  not  be  removed, 
were  shivered  into  ten  thousand  fragments.  All 
this  was  unauthorized,  but  almost  unavoidable  in 
a  large  army.  Not  only  in  the  city,  but  through- 
out the  surrounding  country,  the  scene  of  desola- 
tion prevailed.  The  wealth  of  this  lovely  Capital 


94  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

and  the  fertile  region  in  which  it  nestled,  as  a 
bright  gem,  was  made  the  sport  of  the  flames,  or 
appropriated  by  the  army.  Forage,  in  great 
abundance,  was  collected,  and  the  soldiers  feasted 
on  all  the  delicacies  which  the  rebel  citizens  had 
laid  by  for  future  u§e.  All  kinds  of  preserved 
fruits  and  dainty  stores  from  the  well-filled  larder, 
and  products  from  the  barn-yard  and  garden  were 
pouring  into  camp,  from  all  directions.  For  a 
distance  of  fifteen  miles,  on  every  side,  the  country 
was  scoured  by  persevering  foragers,  and  all  avail- 
able supplies  for  the  army  were  gathered  in.  This 
was  necessary  to  subsist  the  troops  and  to  impov- 
erish the  enemy ;  and  was  but  the  introduction  of 
a  system  which  Sherman's  army  subsequently  car- 
ried into  full  operation  in  Alabama,  Georgia,  and 
South  Carolina.  Had  this  system  been  sooner 
introduced  the  end  of  our  trials  might  have  been 
attained  at  an  earlier  day.  The  soldiers  paused 
not  to  inquire  concerning  right  of  property,  when 
long  and  dangerous  service  for  the  salvation  of 
their  country  secured  to  them  the  opportunity  of 
enjoying  a  full  meal,  such  as  they  had  never  failed 
to  receive  in  the  bountiful  homes  they  had  left,  to 
engage  in  the  work  of  suppressing  rebellion  and 
punishing  treason.  Wherever  they  succeeded  in 
the  former,  by  driving  the  armed  rebels  into  the 
interior,  and  opening  the  garnered  treasures  of  a 
cultivated  region  to  their  control,  they  summarily 


THE   JACKSON   CAMPAIGN.  95 

entered  upon  the  work  of  penal  infliction,  and 
punished  rebellion  in  the  most  effectual  manner, 
by  consuming  the  supplies  which  gave  strength  to 
an  armed  foe.  It  would  have  been  useless  to  rea- 
son with  these  men  on  the  injustice  and  cruelty  of 
such  a  course,  for  their  quick  discernment  saw  the 
intimate  connection  between  treason  and  its  pun- 
ishment. If  they  were  the  defenders  of  the  nation's 
life,  they  claimed  the  privilege  of  striking  at  the 
stomach  of  the  rebellion,  when  they  could  no 
longer  reach  its  heart.  In  cutting  the  communi- 
cation between  the  producer  and  the  armed  traitor 
they  were  rendering  a  no  less  efficient  service  than 
when  striking  at  the  life  of  their  foes.  For  this- 
object  they  fought  in  the  presence  of  the  enemy, 
and  foraged  and  destroyed  his  property  when  they 
could  no  longer  reach  him.  It  is  true  that  the 
practice  of  indiscriminate  foraging  was  calculated 
to  inculcate  habits  of  selfishness  and  thieving  for 
personal  advantage,  but  the  same  objection  may 
be  made  against  war  in  all  its  features.  It  fosters 
a  spirit  of  avarice  in  the  people,  and  thousands 
have  accumulated  wealth  at  home  through  the  use 
of  means  far  less  honorable,  because  wholly  unnec- 
essary to  the  safety  of  the  nation,  than  that  of 
indiscriminate  foraging.  "We  would  much  prefer 
to  forage  from  the  enemy  of  our  country,  for  our 
own  advantage,  than  to  wring  from  the  brave  sol- 
diers who  return  to  their  homes,  or  from  their 


96  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

wives  and  children  in  their  absence,  the  scanty 
pittance  they  receive  from  the  Government  for 
breasting  the  dark  torrent  of  treason.  And  those 
who  have  condemned,  in  loudest  terms,  the  system 
of  foraging  and  destruction  in  an  enemy's  land, 
are  doubtless  the  very  men  that  would  rob  the 
wife  and  children  of  the  soldier,  who  have  sent  the 
husband  and  father  forth  to  protect  these  worse 
than  traitors  against  similar  destruction.  The  man 
who  can  practice  extortion  upon  his  best  friends 
would  make  an  efficient  "  bummer"  on  an  enemy's 
soil,  and  enjoy  the  profits  with  great  quietness  of 
conscience,  if,  indeed,  he  should  be  possessed  of 
such  a  feature  of  humanity,  which  may  reasonably 
be  doubted.  "  The  man  who  can  buy  at  discount 
the  orders  of  his  county  for  relief  of  soldiers  fami- 
lies, and  sell  them  at  par,  or  draw  the  cash  upon 
them,  would  not  scruple  to  fill  his  coffers  with  the 
avails  of  indiscriminate  foraging  from  a  public 
enemy.  Yet  this  very  class,  who  would  rob  their 
country's  defenders,  after  accumulating  vast  wealth 
in  consequence  of  the  inflated  prices  occasioned  by 
the  war,  can  now  make  a  public  subscription  of 
more  than  $60,000  for  the  perjured  and  baffled 
traitor,  General  Lee.  On  consistency !  what  a 
jewel  thou  art !  The  morality  of  those  who  de- 
nounce war  against  treason  is  of  a  most  remark- 
able character.  While  throwing  to  the  breeze  the 
emblem  of  sorrow  over  the  grave  of  our  martyred 


THE    VICKSBURG  CAMPAIGN.  97 

Chief,  they  cast  opprobium  upon  the  punishment 
of  the  foul  crime  of  treason,  and  pay  an  exorbitant 
premium  for  the  exhibition  of  great  skill  and  per- 
severance in  the  prosecution  of  rebellion  against 
the  authority  of  him  whose  death  they  profess  to 
lament.  Reversing  the  motto  of  freedom,  they 
cry,  "  Not  a  cent  for  defense  against  our  common 
foe,  but  thousands  for  tribute  to  his  admirable 
genius."  For  the  toil-worn  or  wounded  soldier  of 
the  Union  they  have  no  words  of  sympathy  or  free- 
will offering,  but  for  treason  they  have  a  crown  of 
gold  and  noble  praise. 

The  First  Division  was  transferred  to  the  Fif- 
teenth Corps,  July  22nd,  1863,  in  which  it  became 
the  Fourth  Division.  This  Corps  consisted  of  the 
following  Divisions,  viz  :  First,  Brigadier  General 
Joseph  P.  Osterhaus;  Second,  Brigadier  General 
Morgan  L.  Smith ;  Third,  Brigadier  General  John 
L.  Smith;  Fourth,  Brigadier  General  William  S. 
Smith.  The  army  commenced  the  return  march, 
July  19th,  the  Ninth  Corps  returning  to  Mill  Dale, 
the  Thirteenth  to  Vicksburg,  and  the  Fifteenth  to 
the  Big  Black,  at  Messenger's  Ferry,  where  it  was 
stationed  as  a  corps  of  observation  for  the  months 
of  August  and  September.  The  season  was  far 
advanced,  and  the  heat  at  mid-day  was  intense,  to 
avoid  which  the  troops  moved  at  an  early  hour. 
The  Fifteenth  Corps  left  Jackson  July  23rd,  evac- 
uating the  city  to  the  enemy,  who  soon  re-occupied 


98  VICKSBURd   TO    RALEIGH. 

the  place.  The  rebel  cavalry  had  been  hovering 
near  during  our  occupation  of  the  city,  and  picked 
up  our  foragers  as  they  had  opportunity,  and  on 
our  withdrawal  from  Jackson  they  continued  close 
upon  our  rear.  Our  first  day's  march  of  ten  miles 
was  easily  accomplished  during  the  forenoon,  and 
a  refreshing  rest  afforded  in  the  evening.  But  the 
toils  of  the  following  day  will  never  be  forgotten 
by  those  who  shared  in  them.  In  the  midst  of 
clouds  of  dust  which  were  impenetrable,  and  with- 
out water,  of  which  the  country  was  almost  desti- 
tute at  that  season,  through  that  long  summer  day 
the  army  continued  its  march  till  near  nightfall, 
having  traveled  twenty-three  miles.  The  regi- 
ments came  into  camp  and  stacked  arms  with  less 
than  one  fourth  of  their  number  present,  the  rest 
having  given  out  on  the  way,  some  of  whom  were 
almost  helpless  from  fatigue  and  illness.  The 
ambulance  train  and  empty  wagons  were  crowded 
to  their  utmost  capacity,  and  thousands  were  still 
left  behind,  who  continued  to  pour  into  camp  dur- 
ing the  evening.  Some  remained  in  the  rear  till 
morning,  while  a  number  fell  into  the  enemy's 
hands.  The  enfeebled  were  brought  up  by  ambu- 
lances sent  back  for  that  purpose.  What  rendered 
this  day  memorable  to  some  is  the  fatigue  to  which 
they  were  subjected  in  bearing  the  wounded,  on 
litters,  nearly  the  whole  of  this  distance.  Those 
•suffering  from  amputated  limbs,  who  could  not  be 


THE   VICKSBURG  CAMPAIGN.  99 

conveyed  in  ambulances,  were  thus  removed  in 
comparative  comfort  to  themselves,  btft  it  was  an 
arduous  duty  for  the  detail  that  bore  them.  The 
scene  at  hospital  each  night,  when  the  wounded 
and  sick  were  strewed  over  the  ground  in  the 
shady  grove,  after  the  long  and  laborious  ride  in 
ambulances  and  wagons,  was  a  striking  one.  The 
number  of  patients  continually  increased,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  miserable  character  of  the  water 
we  were  obliged  to  use,  and  the  fatigue  of  the 
march.  The  prevalence  of  fevers  and  diarrhea 
that  followed  was  great,  and  many  who  went  out 
from  the  vicinity  of  Vicksburg  in  accustomed 
health,  returned  to  die  of  these  diseases.  On  the 
25th  the  troops  marched  to  the  Big  Black,  and 
were  ordered  into  camp,  the  Fourth  Division  being 
assigned  a  position  on  a  bluff'  overlooking  the 
low-lands  along  the  river,  at  Messenger's  Ferry, 
eighteen  miles  northwest  of  Vicksburg.  The 
camp  and  garrison  equipage  was  ordered  up  from 
Snyder's  Bluff,  and  arrived  on  the  27th  of  July. 

During  the  absence  of  the  troops  from  camp  the 
sick  and"  convalescents  had  remained  at  Snyder's 
Bluff,  to  which  point  all  those  unfit  for  duty  were 
sent  back  on  advancing  from  Oak  Ridge,  with  the 
wounded  from  the  skirmish  on  the  Big  Black. 
The  record  of  this  part  of  the  period  spent  in  the 
rear  of  Vicksburg  is  akin  to  that  of  the  preceding 
winter  at  Grand  Junction.  The  place,  and  all  its 


100  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

associations,  will  not  fail  to  recall  sad  memories  in 
the  miuds  of  the  troops  quartered  there  in  June, 
but  more  especially  of  those  who  were  so  unfortu- 
nate as  to  be  detained  there  by  wounds  or  disease 
during  the  month  of  July.  No  description  can 
depict  the  character, of  this  region  of  death,  which 
seemed  to  be  infected  with  a  poisonous  influence 
from  the  sluggish  and  turbid  Yazoo.  A  miasmatic 
atmosphere,  exceeding  all  we  had  ever  witnessed 
before,  not  only  tended  to  produce  disease  but  to 
depress  the  spirits.  A  more  unfavorable  place  for 
a  hospital  could  scarcely  be  found  than  that  select- 
ed upon  the  bare  hill-side  near  the  river,  where  the 
sick  and  wounded  of  our  Division  were  collected. 
Many  of  the  number  died,  and  of  those  who  sur- 
vived comparatively  few  were  soon  restored  to 
duty.  It  is  painful  to  dwell  on  scenes  of  suffer- 
ing and  death.  But  a  record  of  the  soldier's  life 
and  trials  would  be  imperfect  without  a  picture  of 
the  hospital  and  the  grave,  to  which  many  of  our 
comrades  have  been  borne,  noble  sacrifices  upon 
the  altar  of  their  country.  The  recollection  of 
such  scenes  will  never  be  effaced  from  the  memory 
of  one  whe  has  seen  and  deplored  the  inevitable 
fate  to  which  so  many  have  been  brought. 

The  courage  which  sustains  the  soldier  on  the 
field  of  strife  is  all  needed  to  preserve  a  cheerful 
flow  of  spirits  in  the  confinement  of  weary  months 
of  pain,  and  a  man  who  is  brave  in  the  face  of 


THE   V1CKSBURQ  CAMPAIGN.  101 

danger  may  be  distinguished  by  his  power  of  endur- 
ance in  suffering.  To  lose  courage  in  the  sick  ward 
is  to  lessen  the  promise  of  recovery,  and  nothing  is 
more  depressing  to  the  patient  than  home-sickness, 
while  cheerfulness  and  fortitude  have  proved  the 
salvation  of  many  a  poor  sufferer.  No  human  re- 
solution can  conquer  disease,  unaided,  but  a  con- 
tented mind  is  always  favorable  to  the  exercise  of 
the  healing  art.  The  influence  of  kindness  and 
love  cannot  be  overestimated,  and  those  who  have 
well  fulfilled  the  mission  of  faithful  attendants 
upon  the  sick  and  wounded  in  our  hospitals  havo 
won  for  themselves  the  gratitude  of  hearts  strength- 
ened to  resist  and  overcome  all  the  infirmities  of  a 
sick-bed. 

The  following  list  comprises  the  names  of  all 
who  died  during  the  interval  between  our  arrival 
at  this  point  and  our  return  to  the  Big  Black  : 

June  19th  — Alfred  H.  Ballard,  Company  E. 
July  llth  —  Tevis  H.  Brown,  Company  L 
Suly  12th  —  Isaac  Hendershott,  Company  F. 
July  15th  —  Simon  Lloyd,  Company  I. 
July  16th  — John  W.  Bunnell,  Company  D. 
July  18th  —  Reuben  Marshall,  Company  E. 

The  first  of  these  men  died  during  the  second 
week  of  our  stay  at  this  place,  and  was  buried 
amid  the  roar  of  a  fearful  cannonading  at  Yicks- 
burg,  rendering  the  scene  deeply  impressive  to  us, 
who  had  so  frequently  laid  our  dead  to  rest  in  the 


102  VICKSBURQ   TO   RALEIGH. 

quiet  of  our  camps  in  Tennessee.  John  "W\  Bun- 
nell  was  accidentally  killed  at  Jackson,  by  falling 
from  a  hay-loft,  where  he  was  sleeping  on  the  night 
of  the  evacuation.  The  remaining  four  died 
during  the  absence  of  the  Regiment  at  Jackson. 
They  were  with  difficulty  buried.  In  the  absence 
of  able-bodied  men  to  dig  the  graves,  a  few  con- 
valescents and  negroes  were  obtained,  and  the 
sacred  dust  laid  to  rest.  Tevis  H.  Brown  was  a 
good  man  and  feared  not  to  die,  though  far  from 
his  dear  family,  in  an  enemy's  land.  The  memory 
of  his  dying  injunctions  to  his  pious  wife  and 
daughters  will  ever  be  cherished  by  them  as  a 
precious  legacy. 


CHAPTER  X. 


REST  AT  CAMP  SHERMAN. 

The  army  had  nobly  accomplished  its  mission, 
in  freeing  the  Mississippi  from  Confederate  rule. 
The  troops  with  which  Grant  left  Grand  Gulf,  on 
the  1st  of  May,  had  continued  in  the  presence  of 
the  enemy  for  nearly  three  months,  and  required 
rest,  which  was  secured  to  them  in  the  various 
camps  around  Vicksburg.  These  were  pleasantly 
located  in  the  shade  of  the  forest  growth,  and  ren- 
dered as  comfortable  and  healthy  as  the  season 
would  admit.  Our  camp  on  the  Big  Black,  at 
Messenger's  Ferry,  was  named  in  honor  of  him 
whose  brilliant  military  genius  was  just  begin- 
ning to  be  appreciated  by  the  people,  and  whose 
popularity  was  rapidly  increasing  in  the  army, 
Major  General  W.  T.  Sherman.  It  was  then  con- 
sidered an  honor  to  belong  to  the  Fifteenth  Corps, 
but  it  is  doubly  so  now,  when  the  conflict  is  at  an 
end,  and  the  history  of  that  noble  band  of  heroes, 
with  whose  fame  the  names  of  Sherman  and  Logan 


104  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

are  for  ever  linked,  is  written  in  characters  of 
blood  and  fire.  This  Corps  had  come  into  exist- 
ense  on  the  Tallahatchie,  in  December  1862,  and 
was  placed  under  command  of  General  Sherman. 
In  the  events  of  the  great  campaigns  now  closed 
the  Corps  bore  a  conspicuous  part,  and  now  formed, 
with  its  sister  Corps,  the  Thirteenth  and  Seven- 
teenth, a  bright  galaxy  of  noble  spirits.  To  say 
that  the  commander  of  the  Corps  had  the  respect 
and  confidence  of  the  troops  is  but  to  speak  half 
the  truth.  They  had  learned  to  admire  and  love 
him,  and  from  the  "  Crazy  Sherman  "  of  the  days 
of  Cameron  rule  in  the  War  Department,  he  had 
come  to  be  the  special  confidant  of  the  great 
leader  of  our  noble  armies,  Major  General  Ulysses 
S.  Grant.  Henceforth  we  were  to  share  in  all  the 
triumphs  of  this  eminent  commander ;  and  fre- 
quent occasion  for  reference  to  him  will  occur  in 
the  future  Chapters  of  this  volume. 

In  the  campaigns  now  terminated  so  gloriously, 
many  brave  men  had  fallen,  and  their  memory  was 
enshrined  in  the  hearts  of  a  grateful  people.  Or- 
ders were  issued  granting  furloughs  to  five  per 
cent  of  the  enlisted  men,  during  the  period  of 
allotted  rest.  It  was  a  proud  privilege  to  a  veteran 
from  the  field  of  conflict,  so  recently  the  centre  of 
attraction  to  the  entire  nation,  to  return  to  the  fa- 
miliar scenes  of  home,  and  feel  the  beating  of 
the  public  heart  toward  the  nation's  defenders.  It 


REST   AT   CAMP   SHERMAN.  105 

was  a  dearly  bought  and  fairly  won  honor,  thus  to 
return.  In  many  a  home  circle  gratitude  filled,  to 
overflowing,  hearts  that  had  long  been  borne  down 
with  anxiety  for  absent  ones  and  for  the  success 
of  the  cause  they  served.  Now  they  welcome 
home  the  husband,  son,  or  brother,  bearing  the 
wreath  of  the  conquerer  on  his  brow.  He  comes 
to  tell  them  of  the  honors  and  privileges  which  he 
has  received,  as  the  reward  of  all  his  toils,  priva- 
tions, and  dangers.  It  would  be  in  vain  to  at- 
tempt a  picture  of  those  scenes  which  gladdened 
thousands  of  hearts  and  homes,  during  the  brief 
period  of  rest  preparatory  to  unknown  labors.  To 
those  who  shared  them  the  memory  is  yet  distinct 
and  impressive.  It  may  be  joyful  or  sad,  in  the 
retrospect,  for  it  may  be  that  now  the  dear  one  is 
returned,  to  enter  the  field  of  strife  no  more.  If 
so,  how  pleasing  the  memory  ef  that  foretaste  of 
the  complete  happiness  now  enjoyed.  But  it  may 
have  been  the  last  visit  on  earth  with  the  dear 
friend,  who  returned  to  die  upon  a  distant  battle 
field.  If  so,  how  mingled  the  emotions  of  plea- 
sure and  sorrow  awakened  by  the  reflections  upon 
that  last  meeting.  The  coming  of  the  brave  man 
was  full  of  hope,  for  it  spoke  of  a  future  coming, 
to  return  no  more.  But  the  parting,  like  all  those 
scenes  of  separation  which  linger  in  the  memories 
of  unnumbered  thousands,  was  attended  with 

trembling  fears,  which  have,  alas,  been  fully  re- 
alized. 


106  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

If  it  is  difficult  to  describe  the  pent  up  feelings 
of  anxious  hearts,  whose  dearest  ones  are  exposed 
to  peril,  it  is  no  less  a  task  to  portray  the  peculiar 
mingling  of  thoughts  and  emotions  which  crowd 
into  the  soul  of  an  earnest  and  true  man,  who 
loves  his  wife  and  children  with  all  the  affection 
of  a  noble  manhood,  as  he  returns  to  greet  them 
once  more,  to  spend  in  their  society  a  few  brief 
days,  and  then  turn  his  steps  toward  the  field  of 
strife,  where  duty  and  patriotism  call  him.  Look 
at  him ;  behold  his  self-control,  as  he  looks  in  the 
faces  of  dear  ones,  perhaps  for  the  last  time.  Hear 
him,  as  he  speaks  calmly  and  cheerfully  to  those 
who  hang  weeping  upon  his  arm.  Question  him, 
as  he  waves  the  last  adieu,  and  without  an  indica- 
tion of  sorrow,  puts  them  all  aside,  and  ask  him 
if  he  loves  his  family.  He  will  look  reprovingly 
upon  you.  Ask  him  again,  why  he  betrays  no 
signs  of  weakness  at  the  parting  scene.  Listen  to 
his  reply,  ye  dwellers  at  home,  who  never  knew 
the  full  power  of  affection,  because  never  drawn 
from  the  side  of  those  most  loved,  to  the  scene  of 
danger.  "  It  is  my  love  for  them  that  makes  me 
strong  to  resist  the  least  tendency  to  weakness. 
My  sympathy  for  them  in  their .  loneliness  would 
lead  me  to  weep  with  them,  if  weeping  would 
strengthen  them.  But  it  would  not  only  unman 
me,  but  add  to  the  intensity  of  their  sorrow.  I 
purposely  conceal  my  deep  regrets  at  parting,  that 


REST   AT  CAMP   SHERMAN.  107 

I  may  spare  them.  This  I  have  learned  to  do 
through  the  influence  to  which  I  am  subject  in  the 
army,  the  power  to  control  myself  under  the  most 
difficult  circumstances.  It  is  not  more  trying  to 
my  courage  to  fight  a  battle  than  to  part  with  dear 
ones,  but  I  have  acquired  the  ability  to  do  both 
with  calmness.  Yes,  God  knows  I  love  my  friends, 
for  whose  sake  I  also  love  my  country,  and  seek  to 
preserve,  for  coming  generations,  the  birthright  I 
have  inherited  from  my  ancestors,  that  I  may  hand 
it  down  unimpaired  to  my  descendants."  How 
noble  is  such  a  spirit  of  patriotism,  and  how  fully 
has  it  been  exemplified  by  multitudes  of  the  most 
devoted  husbands  and  fathers,  sons  and  brothers 
that  the  land  could  boast.  Would  to  God  that  the 
man  who  shrunk  from  the  duty  to  which  his  coun- 
try called  him,  upon  the  plea  that  he  could  not 
break  the  ties  that  bound  him  to  his  home,  could 
read  the  deep  thoughts  of  the  brave  soldier  as  he 
commits  his  family  to  the  keeping  of  a  gracious 
Providence,  and  rushes  into  the  din  of  battle.  It 
would  shame  the  beholder,  and  teach  him  that, 
compared  with  such  devotion,  his  boasted  love  of 
home  is  but  selfishness. 

"  My  husband  thinks  too  much  of  his  family  to 
go  to  war,"  was  the  remark  of  one  who  prided 
herself  on  the  enjoyments  of  a  home  far  above 
those  our  brave  soldiers  had  voluntarily  surrendered 
that  they  might  beat  back  the  tide  of  desolation 


108  VICKSBURG    TO    RALEIGH. 

which  a  relentless  foe  would  surely  bring  to 
their  own  threshold,  did  they  refuse  to  heed  the 
voice  of  duty.  Strictly  interpreted,  this  language 
implies  an  appreciation  of  home  that  would  not 
defend  it  against  danger  till  resistance  would  be  of 
no  avail.  True  courage  ventures  forth  to  meet  the 
enemy  on  his  own  soil,  compelling  the  assailant  to 
suffer  all  the  ravages  of  war ;  and  true  devotion  to 
home  and  its  interests  stimulates  to  activity  the 
courage  requisite  for  the  accomplishment  of  the 
desired  object. 

'In  accordance  with  the  sentiment  quoted  in  the 
preceding  paragraph  is  that  contemptuous  spirit 
exhibited  by  some  who  professed  to  be  loyal  sup- 
porters of  the  Government.  In  the  social  circle, 
and  in  the  exercise  of  the  common  civilities  of  life, 
the  expression,  "  It  is  only  a  soldier's  wife,"  has 
shut  out  a  worthy  woman  from  the  sympathy  and 
kindliness  of  feeling  which  none  else  could  so 
justly  and  reasonably  claim.  And  yet  the  absent 
husband,  engaged  in  deadly  strife  with  armed 
traitors,  for  the  vindication  of  his  country's  honor, 
may  be  the  superior  in  moral  and  intellectual 
worth  of  those  who  thus  take  the  uppermost  seat 
in  the  assembly  of  the  people.  The  time  of  his 
return  to  civil  life  has  now  come,  and  he  will  sure- 
ly dispossess  those  who  esteemed  him  and  his 
friends  so  lightly,  and  they  will  begin,  with  shame, 
to  take  the  lower  seat. 


REST   AT    CAMP   SHERMAN.  109 

It  was  curious  to  observe  the  variable  scale  of 
appreciation  in  which  these  quasi  Unionists  held 
the  soldiers  at  different  periods  in  the  progress  of 
the  struggle.  The  presence  of  the  man  of  noble 
deeds,  and  the  occasion  of  his  triumph  were  pos- 
sessed of  a  singular  power  to  impress  these  vacil- 
lating creatures  with  a  sense  of  the  respectability 
of  a  military  life,  while  the  absence  of  the  person 
and  the  success  of  the  soldier  reduced  the  angle  of 
vision,  and  gave  diminutive  form  and  dignity  to 
his  character  and  to  the  glory  of  his  services.  On 
the  occasion  of  which  we  speak  the  visual  angle 
was  greatly  enlarged,  and  none  applauded  more 
noisily  the  character  and  fume  of  the  triumphant 
heroes,  returned  to  their  homes  from  Vicksburg, 
than  the  class  of  men  referred  to.  Those  who  had 
vilified  our  brave  men  most,  bowed  lowest  to  do 
them  reverence,  vainly  hoping  to  impress  the  gen- 
erous hearts  of  the  veterans  with  a  sense  of  their 
ardent  admiration  for  their  distinguished  services. 
This  tendency  became  still  more  apparent,  as  the 
great  conflict  drew  to  a  close,  when  all  classes 
joined  in  bestowing  upon  the  victors  the  chaplet 
of,  immortality. 

In  vain  were  all  these  efforts  to  deceive  the 
watchful  scrutiny  of  men  long  accustomed  to  vigil- 
ance in  the  face  of  the  enemy.  The  least  appear- 
ance of  the  true  character,  above  the  hastily  con- 
structed defenses  erected  for  protection,  drew  the 


110  VICKSBURQ   TO   RALEIGH. 

aim  of  an  unerring  judgment,  with  the  same 
facility  that  the  rifle  was  brought  to  bear  upon  the 
exposed  body  of  an  armed  foe  above  the  entrench- 
ments, and  a  prompt  decision  was  passed  upon  his 
character. 

But  to  the  loyal  masses,  whose  hearts  never 
failed  to  beat  responsive  to  the  demands  of  interest 
and  duty,  the  temporary  presence  of  the  represen- 
tatives from  the  army  in  Mississippi  was  a  source 
ef  unmingled  delight.  The  surprise  they  experi- 
enced equaled  their  pleasure,  as  they  observed  the 
evident  improvement  of  these  men  in  their  general 
bearing,  few  of  them  being  exceptions  to  this  rule. 
That  men  exposed  to  all  the  evil  influences  of 
camp  life,  should  be  able  to  appear  so  well  in 
refined  society  as  to  elicit  the  remark  from  those 
who  had  previously  known  them,  that  they  were 
more  refined  and  cultivated  in  their  manners  than 
when  they  entered  the  army,  was  a  source  of  sur- 
prise to  all  classes.  Yet  it  has  proved  .generally 
true,  that  long  absence  from  home  and  friends  has 
tended  to  develop  a  manliness  of  character  in  many 
of  those  who  were  wholly  inexperienced  in  the 
civilities  of  social  life.  It  is  not  claimed  for  all, 
or  for  any  large  proportion  of  the  army,  that  the 
service  has  had  a  tendency  to  influence  the  moral 
character  and  conduct  of  young  men,  aside  from 
home  influences  and  the  comparatively  limited 
moral  and  religious  influence  to  which  they  have 


REST   AT   CAMP   SHERMAN.  Ill 

been  subjected  iii  the  army.  Neither  is  it  claimed 
that  the  improvement  of  manners  above  mentioned 
is  the  direct  result  of  military  life,  but  rather  the 
product  of  combined  influences,  emanating  from 
home  and  enforced  by  the  peculiar  circumstances 
in  which  men  find  themselves  placed,  when  separ- 
ated from  all  the  refinements  of  social  life.  Past 
lessons  and  privileges  unite  with  present  privations 
to  induce  a  spirit  of  thoughtful  ness,  deepened  by 
scenes  of  danger,  which  results  in  a  conviction  of 
the  real  value  of  those  privileges  and  lessons.  In 
the  temporary  possession  of  them,  or  during  a 
brief  period  spent  in  the  social  circle,  the  conscious- 
ness of  their  worth  gives  a  dignity  of  bearing 
which  attracts  the  attention  of  the  observer.  This 
may  be  perceived  in  the  crowded  street-car,  on  the 
entrance  of  a  lady,  when  the  "  boy  in  blue  "  is  first 
to  rise  and  yield  his  place  to  one  who  represents 
his  ideal  of  social  excellence.  The  service  has  in 
this  particular  greatly  benefited  thousands  of 
young  men. 

Yet  it  must  be  admitted  that  the  forms  of  polite- 
ness may  exist  in  connection  with  vicious  habits. 
This  apparent  dignity  of  character  is  not  limited 
to  the  citizen,  but  is  shared  by  the  soldier  as  well. 
Many  are  the  victims  of  vice  and  folly,  and  exert 
a  pernicious  influence  over  others.  But  we  here 
view  them  in  their  representative  character.  The 
generous  treatment  accorded  to  the  soldier  is  to 


112  VICKSBURQ   TO   RALEIGH. 

him  an  expressive  token  of  the  appreciation  set 
upon  his  services  by  those  whom  he  represents. 
According  to  his  faithfulness  he  has  been  and  will 
ever  be  rewarded  by  the  respect  and  gratitude  of 
those  enjoying  the  benefits  of  his  services.  His 
personal  character  is  to  be  considered  entirely 
distinct  from  the  capacity  which  he  has  acquired 
and  exercised  for  his  country's  welfare. 

The  return  of  the  brave  men  to  the  scene  of 
their  late  triumphs  was  followed  by  many  happy 
hours  of  reminiscence  for  themselves  and  those 
who  had  rejoiced  in  their  presence.  Subsequent 
events  proved  that  the  great  work  of  subduing 
rebellion  was  not  yet  completed,  and  that  an 
important  part  was  to  be  assigned  to  them  in  the 
final  drama  of  events.  To  some  of  them  the 
visions  of  home  were  never  again  realized.  In 
some  of  the  numerous  spots  made  sacred  by  the 
sleeping  dust  of  our  slain  heroes,  they  were  after- 
ward laid  to  rest,  or  from  some  hospital,  where 
they  struggled  long  with  disease,  they  were  borne 
to  their  humble  but  honored  graves. 

But  five  per  cent  of  the  enlisted  men  was  a  very 
small  part  of  the  vast  army  resting  around  Vicks- 
burg.  On  the  return  of  those  who  left  us  early  in 
August,  others  were  allowed  to  go  in  their  places, 
and  thus  nearly  ten  per  cent  of  the  army  received 
furloughs.  Large  numbers  of  officers  also  received 
leaves  of  absence,  and  returned  to  their  respective 


REST   AT  €AMP   SHERMAN.  113 

States.  The  flood  of  travel  on  the  Mississippi,  and 
from  Cairo  northward,  was  surprising,  and  it 
seemed  that  our  whole  army  was  in  motion.  .  Yet 
nine-tenths  of  the  soldiers  remained  in  camp  during 
the  entire  period  spent  on  the  Big  Black.  The 
record  of  events  occurring  in  the  repose  of  summer 
quarters  is  monotonous,  affording  very  few  items 
of  general  interest,  and  the  ordinary  incidents  of 
camp  life  would  not  repay  the  recital. 

During  the  continuance  of  our  stay  at  Camp 
Sherman,  a  long  and  interesting  series  of  religious 
meetings  was  held  by  the  various  Chaplains,  which 
was  attended  with  valuable  results.  For  fifty- 
three  days,  from  the  6th  of  August  to  the  28th  of 
September,  these  meetings  continued  withoiit  a 
single  interruption.  The  attendance  was  good, 
and  the  most  perfect  order  prevailed  at  all  times  ; 
for  in  the  army  the  respect  paid  to  religious  ser- 
vices, by  those  accustomed  to  attend,  cannot  be 
excelled  by  the  regular  congregations  in  civil  life. 
The  influence  of  these  meetings  continued  to  be 
felt  in  all  the  subsequent  experience  of  Christian 
men  in  the  various  regiments  composing  our 
Division.  In  other  camps  a  similar  course  was 
pursued,  with  satisfactory  results. 

It  was  during  this  period  that  we  received  our 
first  supplies  of  religious  reading  matter  from  the 
Christian  Commission  Room  at  Vicksburg.  This 
noble  monument  of  Christian  patriotism  had 


114  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

been  reared  in  the  midst  of  the  scenes  of  strife  and 
carnage  which  the  tyranny  of  sin  had  occasioned. 
Though  receiving  very  few  of  the  advantages  of 
the  organization,  in  consequence  of  the  remoteness 
of  our  sphere  of  operations  during  the  war,  we 
saw  sufficient  evidence  of  its  efficiency  to  indicate 
its  inestimable  value.  In  the  spontaneous  exercise 
of  a  lofty  benevolence  through  the  agency  of  those 
twin  institutions,  the  Sanitary  and  Christian  Com- 
missions, the  country  has  afforded  a  remarkable 
illustration  of  the  genius  and  inspiration  of  civil 
and  religious  freedom.  The  people  not  only 
responded  to  the  call  for  men  to  fight  our  battles, 
but  added  the  contribution  of  millions  for  the  relief 
of  the  suffering  soldiers  in  the  field,  providing  both 
for  the  body  and  soul  of  the  sufferer,  not  in  charity, 
but  as  a  noble  privilege  and  sacred  duty.  This 
record  of  philanthropy  softens  the  stern  features  of 
war  and  shows  the  practical  value  of  Christianity, 
the  source  of  true  benevolence. 

-  The  following  promotions  were  made  during  this 
period. 

Captain  Elbert  D.  Baldwin,  Co.  B,  to  Major, 
vice  Goodnow,  promoted,  September  12th,  1863.  , 

1st  Lieutenant  Frank  H.  Aveline,  Co.  B,  to 
Captain,  vice  Baldwin,  promoted,  September  13th, 
1863. 

2nd  Lieuteant  William  H.  Harrison,  Co.  B,  to 
1st  Lieutenant,  vice  Aveline,  promoted,  Septem- 
ber 13th,  1863. 


REST   AT   CAMP   SHERMAN.  115 

Orderly  Sergeant  Alfred  L.  Stoney,  Co.  B,  to 
2nd  Lieutenant,  vice  Harrison,  promoted,  Septem- 
ber 13th,  1863. 

The  sad  results  of  the  campaign  against  Jackson 
and  the  hot  season  immediately  following  remain 
to  be  noticed.  The  prevalence  of  disease  during 
the  month  of  September  was  especially  fatal,  and 
large  numbers  died.  The  mournful  music  denot- 
ing a  burial  or  the  firing  of  the  accustomed  volleys 
over  the  grave  indicated  the  rapid  and  extended 
work  of  death  through  all  the  camps.  The  follow- 
ing list  embraces  the  names  of  all  who  died  during 
this  period : 

August  13th — John  B.  Boone,  Company  G. 
August  IGth — John  Ballinger,  Company  C. 
August  24th — Edward  Gerard,  Company  F. 
August  25th  —  William  Doty,  Company  G. 
August  25th  —  Albert  Foster,  Company  B. 
August  28th — Samuel  R.  Bunnell,  Company  D. 
August  30th — Caleb  W.  Downs,  Company  C. 
September  1st  —  Henry  C.  Burnett,  Company  K. 
September  3rd — John  Mishler,  Company  L 
September  5th  —  James  E.  McNabb,  Company  E. 
September  5th  —  Henry  H.  Coshow,  Company  D. 
September  6th — Robert  Stafford,  Company  E. 
September  7th  —  John  Church,  Company  F. 
September  8th  —  William  Wright,  Company  G. 
September  10th — Wesley  Iba,  Company  B. 
September  llth  —  James  Bowen,  Company  F. 
September  llth — David  Brown,  Company  I. 
September  15th — Mahlon  D.  Mercer,  Company  I. 
September  16th  —  John  Bowmaster,  Company  F. 
September  21«t — John  S.  Gardner,  Company  G. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.  --     . 

During  the  period  of  rest  afforded  the  army 
around  Vicksburg  important  events  were  occur- 
ring in  East  Tennessee.  The  enemy  had  retired 
from  Chattanooga,  which  place  was  occupied  by 
Rosecrans,  who  moved  forward,  with  his  columns 
beyond  supporting  distance,  in  pursuit  of  the  re- 
treating foe.  Bragg,  having  received  re-inforce- 
ments,  perceived  his  advantage,  and  attacked  with 
vigor,  on  the  19th  of  September.  The  battle,  thus 
begun  to  our  disadvantage,  was  continued  on  the 
arrival  of  the  distant  columns,  during  the  20th  and 
21st,  resulting  in  a  disastrous  defeat,  and  the  re- 
treat of  the  shattered  army  to  Chattanooga,  where 
it  was  reduced  to  a  state  of  siege  by  the  confident 
enemy. 

In  the  meantime  the  Military  Division  of  the 
Mississippi  had  been  created,  and  Major  General 
Grant  assigned  to  command.  This  was  followed 
by  the  assignment  of  Major  General  Sherman  as 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.  117 

his  successor  in  command  of  the  Department  and 
Army  of  the  Tennessee.  Major  General  George  II. 
Thomas  superseded  General  Rosecrans  in  com- 
mand of  the  Department  and  Army  of  the  Cum- 
berland, and  Major  General  Joseph  Hooker  was 
ordered  from  the  Potomac  to  East  Tennessee,  with 
the  Eleventh  and  Twelfth  Corps.  The  Fifteenth 
Corps  was  also  designated  for  service  in  Tennessee, 
and  Major  General  F.  P.  Blair  assigned  to  com- 
mand. The  Corps  was  placed  en  route  from  Vicks- 
burg  to  Memphis  in  September,  the  Fourth  Divi- 
sion breaking  camp  at  Messenger's  Ferry  on  the 
28th  day  of  that  month. 

The  passage  to  Memphis  occupied  eight  days,  in 
consequence  of  delay  by  low  water  and  a  defici- 
ency of  transportation  for  the  Division,  a  portion 
of  which  was  compelled  to  await  the  arrival  of 
boats  at  Memphis,  which  detained  the  advance  of 
the  fleet  for  several  days.  In  addition  to  this  the 
supplies  of  fuel  for  the  fleet  had  to  be  collected  at 
Griffith's  Landing,  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi, by  unloading  the  army  wagons  from  the 
boats  to  be  employed  in  conveying  the  wood  from 
the  forest.  While  at  this  place,  October  3d,  the 
news  of  the  defeat  of  Rosecrans,  at  Chickamauga, 
was  received  by  the  troops.  The  fleet  consisted 
of  fourteen  steamers,  the  same  number  with  that 
which  bore  us  down  the  river  four  months  previous. 


118  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

But  the  long  and  frequent  delays  rendered  the  pas- 
sage far  less  pleasant.  Besides,  we  were  ignorant 
of  our  destination,  and  innumerable  conjectures 
were  made  respecting  our  future  career.  The-  re- 
cent disaster  indicated  the  possibility  of  our  being 
ordered  directly  to  the  scene  of  hostilities  in  Ten- 
nessee. But  on  reaching  Memphis  it  became  evi- 
dent that  we  were  destined  to  march  into  the  in- 
terior. The  troops  disembarked  on  the  9th  of 
September,  after  an  absence  of  precisely  four 
months,  and  went  into  camp  for  a  single  day,  near 
the  city,  marching  on  the  morning  of  the  llth. 

It  was  reserved  for  the  Fourth  Division  to  march 
to  Corinth,  while  the  rest  of  the  Corps  were  trans- 
ported by  railroad.  This  gave  us  the  opportunity 
of  viewing  once  more  the  scenes  of  our  trial  and 
suffering  during  the  preceding  winter.  On  the 
first  day's  march,  dnd  while  moving  leisurely  near 
White's  Station,  our  ears  were  saluted  by  the  re- 
port of  artillery  in  the  distance,  and  the  column 
was  at  once  pushed  forward  to  Germantown,  where 
we  learned  that  the  small  garrison  at  Collierville 
had  been  attacked  by  a  considerable  force  of  the 
enemy.  The  march  was  resumed,  and  continued 
till  the  close  of  day,  in  order  to  secure  the  place 
against  renewed  assault.  A  portion  of  the  force 
was  pushed  rapidly  forward  to  aid  in  the  defense  till 
the  main  body  could  reach  the  place.  "We  passed 
our  former  camp  at  Fort  Loomis,  now  deserted 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.  119 

and  still,  and  arrived  at  Collierville  to  learn  that  the 
gallant  little  garrison,  consisting  of  the  Sixty-sixth 
Indiana,  aided  by  a  detachment  of  the  Thirteenth 
Regulars  just  arrived — with  Generals  Sherman, 
Ewing,  and  Lightburn — on  the  train  from  Mem- 
phis, had  repelled  the  assault  of  the  combined 
forces  of  Chalmers  and  Richardson,  numbering  sev- 
eral thousand  men.  Our  loss  was  about  twenty 
killed  and  forty  wounded,  with  nearly  a  hundred 
prisoners.  A  small  detachment  of  the  Seventh 
Illinois  Cavalry  was  also  camped  near  the  place, 
when  the  enemy  came  suddenly  upon  them  and 
captured  Chaplain  S.  G.  Miner,  while  conducting 
the  Sabbath  morning  service,  with  a  number  of  the 
audience.  The  chivalrous  enemy  also  seized,  and 
were  about  to  hold  as  a  prisoner,  Mrs.  Mary  Gra- 
ham, wife  of  Maj.  Graham,  of  the  Seventh  Illinois 
Cavalry,  but  she  was  finally  paroled,  through  the 

0 

entreaties  of  a  citizen  with  whose  family  she  was 
temporarily  living.  Chaplain  Miner  was  taken  to 
camp,  and  brought  before  General  Forrest  in  due 
time,  who  promptly  demanded  his  watch,  at  which 
the  owner  demurred,  but  without  avail.  The 
watch  became  the  property  of  the  wretch  who  af- 
terward outraged  all  the  laws  of  civilized  warfare 
at  Fort  Pillow.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  on  this 
occasion  was  never  known,  but  information  subse- 
quently derived  from  citizens  along  the  line  of  our 
pursuit,  indicated  that  it  must  have  been  severe,  a 


120  VICKSBURQ  TO   RALEIGH. 

kirge  number  of  wagons  having  passed  loaded  with 
the  dead  and  wounded.  A  number  of  the  dead 
were  left  upon  the  field,  among  whom  the  troops, 
formerly  stationed  at  this  place,  recognized  the 
familiar  countenances  of  two  citizens  living  a  few 
miles  distant. 

The  presence  of  General  Sherman  inspired  the 
little  garrison  with  an  unyielding  determination  to 
repel  the  assailants,  the  General  being  in  the  fort 
encouraging  the  men  with  his  usual  coolness.  The 
brave  men  of  the  Thirteenth  Regulars  loved  their 
former  commander,  and  fought  with  desperation, 
while  the  Sixty-sixth  Indiana  gained  great  honor 
by  their  bravery.  Had  our  arrival  been  timely  for 
effective  pursuit  the  enemy  might  have  been 
severely  punished ;  but  he  made  good  use  of  the 
time  occupied  by  us  in  marching  to  relieve  the 
garrison,  to  effect  his  escape.  It  was  a  singular 
coincidence  that  the  troops  who  had  constructed 
the  defenses  at  this  place,  six  months  previous, 
should  have  so  narrowly  missed  the  opportunity  of 
resisting  the  first  attack  of  the  enemy,  after  an 
absence  of  four  months.  All  regretted  having 
been  denied  a  share  in  the  triumph  so  nobly  won. 

Brigadier  General  Hugh  Ewing  had  been  assign- 
ed to  command  the  Fourth  Division,  relieving 
General  Smith  at  Memphis.  Brigadier  General  J. 
M.  Corse,  of  the  Second  Brigade,  was  in  com- 
mand of  the  Division  during  the  march  to  Corinth, 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.        121 

under  whose  direction  we  resumed  our  course  the 
following  day,  and  camped  at  Mt.  Pleasant,  Miss., 
twelve  miles  south  of  Collierville.  This  place  had 
afforded  refuge  to  guerrillas ;  and  some  of  the  in- 
habitants were  believed  to  have  been  connected 
with  the  recent  movement  of  the  enemy,  and  all 
the  unoccupied  buildings,  with  some  of  the  sus- 
pected citizens'  dwellings,  were  burned  on  the 
following  morning.  The  troops  marched  to  La 
Grange,  on  the  13th,  a  distance  of  thirty-three 
miles,  reaching  camp  tired  and  hungry,  and  not  a 
little  out  of  humor  on  account  of  the  rapid  and 
almost  constant  marching.  Usually  frequent  oppor- 
tunities were  given  the  men  to  rest,  but  on  this 
occasion  the  command  moved  forward  with  but 
three  or  four  halts  during  the  entire  day.  At  such 
times  the  patience  of  the  men  would  give  way, 
and  loud  imprecations  were  heaped  upon  the  heads 
of  innocent  and  guilty  alike;  for  anger  is  unreason- 
able, and  makes  no  distinction  between  friend  and 
foe.  During  the  confusion  and  darkness  of  the 
hour  following  our  arrival  at  camp  we  were  so  un- 
fortunate as  to  step  upon  one  of  the  weary  boys, 
who  had  wrapped  his  blanket  around  him  and  gone 
to  bed  supperless,  when  an  awful  volume  of  oaths 
burst  upon  our  devoted  head,  and  we  retired  before 
the  storm  of  passion  we  had  unintentionally 
aroused. 
F 


122  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

At  such  a  time  the  power  of  endurance  is  most 
thoroughly  tested,  and  he  who  continues  calm 
amidst  the  almost  universal  prevalence  of  com- 
plaint may  he  regarded  as  invulnerable.  When, 
to  all  the  necessary  toils  and  privations  of  the  sol- 
dier's lot,  is  added  a  seeming  disregard  for  the 
comfort  of  the  troops,  on  the  part  of  those  charged 
with  peculiar  responsibilities,  the  deep  feelings  of 
the  soul  are  stirred  under  a  sense  of  personal  in- 
justice, and  the  utmost  self-control  is  essential  to 
restrain  one  within  due  bounds.  Whether  well  or 
ill-founded,  these  impressions  produce  feelings  of 
resentment,  which  constitute  a  grumbler  for  the 
time  being,  and,  habitually  fostered,  render  him  an 
inveterate  specimen  of  that  genus  homo,  than 
which  a  more  unpleasant  or  unenviable  charac- 
ter can  scarcely  be  found.  A  large  camp  of  such 
men,  busily  occupied,  for  the  first  hour  after  arrival, 
in  comparing  the  range  of  temperature  upon  the 
scale  of  the  thermometer  of  patience,  is  a  scene 
worthy  of  the  attentive  study  of  the  moralist  as 
well  as  the  artist.  Such  a  scene  was  presented  at 
LaGrange,  in  the  camps  of  the  Fourth  Division  on 
this  occasion.  But  a  refreshing  rest,  with  the  early 
morning  meal,  greatly  repaired  the  shock  pro- 
duced upon  the  sensitive  nature  by  supposed  cru- 
elty, and  the  troops  cheerfully  moved  forward  on 
their  course. 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.  123 

We  were  among  familiar  scenes,  and  thoughts 
of  sadder  days  and  sorer  trials  were  awakened  as 
we  moved  through  Grand  Junction,  and  passed 
beside  the  graves  in  which  the  dust  of  so  many  of 
our  comrades  reposed.  Since  we  turned  aside 
from  this  burial  place  of  forty  of  our  number, 
more  than  fifty  had  followed  them  to  their  last 
home.  Nine  months  previous  we  buried  our  first 
martyr  at  this  place,  and  now  we  could  count 
r.early  a  hundred  missing  ones  from  the  ranks 
where  they  then  stood.  We  were  again  on  our 
uncertain  course,  the  end  of  which  no  one  could 
predict.  Wherever  we  had  moved,  our  course 
could  be  traced  by  the  graves  of  our  fallen  com- 
panions, and  such  waymarks  would  continue  to  in- 
dicate our  pathway  during  the  future  periods  of 
our  service. 

A  march  of  twelve  miles  brought  us  to  our  camp 
on  Turkey  Creek,  followed  by  a  like  distance  on 
the  next  day.  Again,  on  the  16th,  we  were  detained 
till  a  late  hour  in  reaching  camp  on  Muddy  Creek, 
having  crossed  the  Hatchie  battle-field,  where 
General  Hackleman  fell  the  preceding  year.  The 
troops  reached  Corinth  on  the  17th,  and  went  into 
camp  east  of  the  place.  During  the  night  oc- 
curred another  of  those  memorable  storms,  under 
unfavorable  circumstances,  when  all  were  thorough- 
ly drenched  for  want  of  sufficient  protection,  our 
tents  having  been  forwarded  by  railroad  from 


124  VICKSBURG  TO   EALEIGH. 

Memphis  and  not  yet  arrived.  This  event,  with 
the  general  appearance  of  desolation  that  prevailed 
in  the  entire  region  of  the  place,  rendered  Corinth 
the  synonym  of  discomfort,  in  our  vocabulary.  In 
the  midst  of  an  uncultivated  region,  and  bearing 
the  traces  of  rebel  operations  during  our  siege  of 
the  place  in  1862,  it  presented  very  few  attractive 
features.  Our  stay  was  brief  at  this  place.  The 
march  was  resumed  the  next  day,  General  Ewing 
assuming  command  of  the  Division.  On  the.  19th 
we  reached  Burnsville,  Mississippi,  a  Station  on  the 
Memphis  and  Charleston  Railroad  between  Corinth 
and  luka,  and  eight  miles  from  the  latter  place. 

This  road  had  been  opened  from  Grand  Junction 
to  Corinth  during  the  summer,  on  the  abandon- 
ment of  the  route  from  Columbus  to  Corinth.  The 
road  was  now  opened  farther  east,  and  luka  was 
again  held  by  our  forces,  and  made  a  temporary 
base  of  operations,  preparatory  to  the  great  march 
before  us.  The  entire  Corps  was  in  camp  near 
this  place,  and  on  the  road  thence  to  Corinth, 
receiving  the  necessary  equipments  for  the  march 
to  Chattanooga,  which  now  became  our  evident 
destination.  Camp  and  garrison  equipage,  cloth- 
ing, and  Commissary  stores  were  issued  to  the 
troops,  and  payment  made  for  the  months  of  July 
and  August.  At  last  all  was  ready  for  cutting 
loose  from  our  communications,  and  on  the  26th 
of  October  the  Division  moved  to  luka,  and  thenc« 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.  125 

to  Eastport,  on  the  Tennessee,  the  following  day. 
Here  the  troops  were  ferried  across  the  river  by 
gunboats,  and  camped  on  the  north  side,  in  the 
State  of  Alabama.  The  remaining  Divisions  of 
the  Corps  effected  a  crossing  a  few  miles  above 
Eastport. 

The  region  of  the  Tennessee  is  one  of  great  fer- 
tility, but  at  that  time  not  more  than  one  fiftieth  part 
of  the  improved  lands  was  under  cultivation.  The 
sweeping  rebel  conscription  of  the  able-bodied 
white  men,  with  the  no  less  sweeping  demand  of 
both  armies  for  horses,  mules,  and  cattle,  forced 
the  abandonment  of  the  lands,  except  so  far  as  the 
actual  necessities  of  the  people  prompted  them  to 
cultivate  enough  to  supply  their  own  wants.  On 
our  advance  from  Florence  we  found  the  lands 
more  generally  cultivated,  and  supplies  were 
abundant  along  our  route  of  march. 

At  Gravelly  Springs  a  mounted  rebel  fired  upon 
Captain  Bloomfield,  A.  A.  General  of  the  Brigade, 
and  pursuit  was  made,  but  he  escaped.  He  was 
believed  to  be  a  citizen,  and  the  place  was  only 
saved  from  destruction  by  great  vigilance.  The 
First  Division  had  a  brisk  skirmish  on  the  same 
day,  near  Tuscumbia,  before  crossing  the  river. 
On  the  1st  of  November,  the  entire  Corps  was  col- 
lected at  Florence,  at  which  time  General  Sherman 
arrived,  and  the  troops  were  at  once  ordered  for- 
ward. The  necessity  for  rapid  movement  was 


126  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

occasioned  by  the  existing  condition  of  affairs  at 
Chattanooga,  where  our  forces  were  in  a  state  of 
siege,  and  in  need  of  prompt  relief. 

It  was  General  Sherman's  purpose  to  cross  Elk 
River,  and  move  direct  to  Stevenson,  via  Hunts- 
ville.  But  on  reaching  that  stream,  near  Ilogers- 
ville,  it  was  found  at  a  high  stage,  in  consequence 
of  recent  rains,  and  could  not  be  forded,  while  the 
construction  of  a  bridge  would  occupy  much  valu- 
ble  time,  and  it  was  at  once  decided  to  move  up 
the  north  bank  of  the  river  to  Fayettville,  and 
thence  to  Winchester,  thus  reaching  Stevenson 
through  Crow  Creek  Valley.  Accordingly  the 
column  was  headed  to  the  rear,  and  returned  to 
Rogersville,  thence  moving  in  a  north-eastern 
course. 

This  deviation  from  the  intended  line  of  march 
led  us  through  a  cultivated  region  never  traversed 
by  an  army,  and  forage  was  abundant,  of  which 
the  soldiers,  who  had  not  forgotten  the  luxuries  of 
Jackson,  availed  themselves  with  great  freedom. 
The  people  were  astonished  at  the  coolness  with 
which  their  well-filled  larders  were  emptied  of  their 
precious  contents.  But  entreaties  and  tears  were 
of  no  avail.  With  a  single  inquiry  "  Where  is  the 
man  who  belongs  here  ? "  and  the  reply,  "  He  is 
in  the  army,"  they  were  well  satisfied  of  their  right 
to  consume  the  supplies  of  armed  foes.  They  often 
presumed  that  the  husband,  son,  or  brother  was 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.  127 

absent  as  an  armed  rebel,  without  making  any 
preliminary  inquiry.  If  any  men  were  seen  on 
the  premises  they  were  usually  aged,  infirm,  or 
beardless  boys,  and  only  lacked  the  strength  to 
make  them  rebel  soldiers.  It  did  not  materially 
affect  the  case  that  these  were  Tennesseeans,  know- 
ing well  how  often  they  had  met  the  former  citi-f 
zens  of  that  State  on  the  battle-field.  And  a  very 
good  reason,  in  addition  to  all  this,  was,  that  these 
people  were  living  much  better  than  the  army, 
notwithstanding  their  enmity,  and  this  ought  not 
to  be  permitted.  And  it  is  worthy  of  remark  that 
for  a  time  few  fared  better  than  the  soldiers. 

The  Corps  reached  Fayettville  November  8th, 
where  the  troops  were  allowed  one  day  of  rest, 
resuming  the  march  the  next  day,  and  camping  at 
night  in  the  "  Barrens,"  an  extensive  region  of 
country  unfit  for  cultivation,  and  wholly  unin- 
habited. On  the  next  morning  we  emerged  from 
the  wilderness  inta  one  of  the  loveliest  valleys  in 
all  the  broad  land.  The  view  of  the  Cumberland 
Mountains  in  the  distance,  and  the  contrast  between 
their  long  blue  lines  of  beauty  and  the  rich  fields, 
clothed  in  emerald  and  smiling  under  the  bright 
light  of  a  November  sun,  was  pleasing  to  the  eye. 
In  all  our  previous  landscape  views  none  equaled 
this,  and  none  afterward  surpassed  it.  That  the 
dwellers  in  such  a  region  could  have  conspired 
a-punst  the  national  life  evinced  a  want  of  harmony 


128  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

between  the  lessons  of  nature  and  tjie  perverted 
minds  of  men.  That  a  soil  so  productive,  an  air 
so  pure,  and  a  scene  so'  lovely  should  be  marred  by 
oppression  and  treason  filled  us  with  deep  sadness. 

Passing  through  this  rich  valley  to  Winchester, 
we  reached  communications  with  the  external 
world  on  the  llth  of  November.  After  receiving 
fresh  supplies,  the  troops  commenced  the  ascent  of 
the  mountain  at  Cowan's  Station,  toiling  up  the 
deep  ascent,  while  the  trains  struggled  to  gain  the 
summit.  The  view  of  the  beautiful  valley,  through 
which  we  had  passed,  charmed  the  eye,  while  the 
rugged  sides  of  the  mountain,  which  appeared  so 
regular  in  the  far  off  vision  of  yesterday,  now  gave 
forcible  illustration  of  the  truth  that  "  distance 
lends  enchantment  to  the  view."  It  is  thus  with 
the  toils  and  privations  of  the  soldier.  Though 
apparently  too  severe  for  endurance,  when  viewed 
in  all  their  native  roughness,  if  seen  in  the  great 
range  of  human  difficulties,  which  form  the  moun- 
tains of  life's  vision,  up  whose  sides  ambition  may 
climb  to  look  down  upon  the  plain  below,  they 
wear  an  air  of  beauty  mingled  with  sublimity. 

Soon  we  lost  sight  of  the  lovely  valley,  and  pur- 
sued our  mazy  course  among  the  sublime  scenery 
j)f  the  mountain-top.  Through  the  forest  that 
crowned  its  summit,  into  deep  gorges,  and  along 
the  sides  of  yawning  chasms,  on  a  narrow  and 
rough  inclined  plane,  prepared  by  the  hand  of 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.  129 

man,  we  moved  forward,  impressed  with  ever- 
varying  emotions  of  pleasure  and  surprise  at  the 
scenes  before  us,  till  at  nightfall  the  column  paused 
in  a  deep  gorge,  beside  a  rapid  mountain  stream, 
to  pass  the  night.  The  train  stood  still  in  the  nar- 
row track  in  which  it  had  moved,  while  the  weary 
mules  were  fed,  and  the  troops  sought  such  nooks 
in  the  mountain  side  as  were  available,  building 
their  fires  and  preparing  their  coffee,  which, 
always  invigorating  to  the  weary  soldier,  never 
was  more  inspiring  than  at  the  close  of  that  day  in 
the  mountains.  In  wandering  over  the  narrow 
space  occupied  by  the  Regiment,  Lieutenant  Hub- 
bard,  of  Company  F.  slipped  suddenly  into  an 
unobserved  opening  in  the  surface,  catching  him- 
self by  the  arms,  as  his  body  was  descending  ver- 
tically into  the  bowels  of  the  mountain,  when  a 
friend  assisted  him  out  of  his  perilous  position. 
Had  he  fallen  it  is  doubtful  if  he  would  have 
escaped  alive. 

In  this  deep  gorge,  at  the  solemn  hour  of  mid- 
night, a  burial  scene  transpired  which  produced 
the  most  vivid  impressions  of  the  true  solemnity  of 
death  that  our  mind  ever  received.  A  member  of 
the  One  Hundredth  Indiana  died  at  a  late  hour,  and 
it  became  necessary  to  bury  him  before  morning. 
It  was  therefore  effected  at  once.  A  place  was 
selected  near  our  tent,  and  the  grave  was  dug  to 
the  depth  of  a  foot,  reaching  the  solid  rock.  The 


130  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEWH. 

body  was  placed  in  the  shallow  vault,  and  covered 
with  poles  to  afford  protection,  the  earth  being 
thrown  over  them,  effectually  covering  the  dead 
from  human  sight.  The  hour,  the  place,  the  event, 
and  its  attendant  circumstances  conspired  to  render 
the  incident  deeply  impressive. 

Morning  found  us  in  busy  preparation  for  the 
descent  of  the  mountain  which  was  effected  during 
the  forenoon.  Descending  the  Crow  Creek  Valley, 
a  narrow  defile  between  two  spurs  of  the  moun- 
tain, we  reached  Anderson  Station,  where  we 
camped.  David  Scott,  of  Company  K,  died  in 
ambulance  on  the  way  down  the  valley,  and  Anios 
Bucy  of  Company  II,  and  Hiram  Wood,  of  Com- 
pany E,  died  the  following  morning,  all  being 
buried  at  that  place. 

The  Corps  arrived  at  Stevenson  on  the  14th  of 
November  and  reached  Bridgeport  on  the  15th, 
where  was  our  base  of  supply  for  the  army  at 
Chattanooga.  The  enemy  occupied  the  railroad 
between  our  besieged  army  and  this  place,  cutting 
off  all  communication  upon  the  south  side  of  the 
Tennessee.  The  only  route  for  reaching  Chatta- 
nooga was  by  the  m6untain  wagon  road  on  the 
north  side,  a  distance  of  sixty  miles,  over  which  it 
was  almost  impossible  to  convey  sufficient  supplies 
to  subsist  the  army  on  short  rations.  The  bridges 
at  Bridgeport  and  Whiteside  had  been  destroyed 
When  the  enemy  retired  across  the  Tennessee,  and 
much  time  was  necessary  for  their  reconstruction. 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.  131 

The  line  of  communication  with  Nashville  had 
also  been  temporarily  severed,  but  was  again 
restored,  and  supplies  were  accumulating  rapidly 
at  Bridgeport  on  our  arrival.  The  prospect,  which 
had  been  gloomy  for  our  cause  in  Tennessee  had 
begun  to  brighten,  under  the  direction  of  Grant, 
who  had  assumed  command  of  all  the  forces  con- 
centrated in  the  vicinity  of  Chattanooga. 

On  the  17th  of  November  the  Fourth  Division 
crossed  the  Tennessee,  at  Bridgeport,  moving  to 
Shell  Mound  and  thence  up  Nickajack  Cove,  a  deep 
gorge  in  Sand  Mountain,  pausing  awhile  at  the 
Nickajack  Cave,  an  immense  cavern  in  the  moun- 
tain side,  near  Shell  Mound,  into  whose  yawning 
mouth  we  penetrated  as  far  as  allowed  to  go.  A 
guard  was  stationed  within  the  entrance  to  prevent 
the  soldiers  from  imperiling  their  lives.  It  was 
reported  that  some  of  those  who  had  visited  the 
interior  had  never  returned,  the  cave  extending  for 
many  miles  into  the  heart  of  the  mountain.  A 
large  and  rapid  stream  of  pure  water  flowed  from 
the  mouth,  up  whose  tortuous  course  visitors 
might  safely  pursue  their  way  for  some  distance. 
The  entrance  to  the  cavern  was  through  a  vast 
amphitheatre  whose  walls  were  irregular,  and  the 
floor  of  which  was  the  rocky  bed  of  the  stream, 
with  a  ledge  of  rocks  projecting  from  the  south 
wall  half  way  across  the  diameter.  The  ceiling 
consisted  of  one  vast  rock,  spanning  the  apartment 


132  VICKSBURO   TO   RALEIGH. 

and  resting  firmly  upon  the  opposite  walls.  This 
space  had  been  obstructed  by  large  leaches  for 
draining  the  nitre  from  the  earth,  removed  from 
the  interior  for  the  manufacture  of  saltpetre  by  the 
rebels,  considerable  quantities  of  which  had  been 
produced.  The  grandeur  of  the  scene  presented, 
when  on  a  subsequent  occasion  we  penetrated  the 
darkness  beyond,  and  looked  out,  through  the 
cavernous  mouth,  upon  the  blue  sky  and  fleeting 
clouds,  was  awfully  impressive,  leading  the  mind 
to  reflection  upon  the  mighty  power  of  the  Great 
Architect. 

Near  this  place  an  Indian  village  once  stood, 
bearing  the  name  of  the  cave.  A  foolish  story  has 
gained  credence  and  the  sanction  of  Appleton  in 
his  "  Traveler's  Guide,"  to  the  effect  that  the  name 
of  this  cave  is  derived  from  the  fact  that  a  band 
of  negro  robbers,  led  by  one  Jack,  occupied  the 
place  as  a  secret  retreat.  Hence  the  cave  was 
called  "  Nigger  Jack's  Cave,"  which  in  process  of 
time  became  "Nickajack."  But  the  oldest  inhab- 
itants know  nothing  of  such  an  origin  for  the 
name.  The  bones  of  the  buried  Indian  race  are 
still  found  near  the  site  of  the  ancient  village. 

Shell  Mound,  a  Station  on  the  Nashville  and 
Chattanooga  Railroad,  derives  its  name  from  the 
fact  that  in  the  excavation  for  the  track  a  large 
mound  was  found  to  consist  almost  entirely  of 
shells.  These  were  probably  deposited  by  the 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.  133 

Indians  ages  ago,  and  subsequently  covered  with 
an  alluvial  deposit  in  the  overflow  of  the  banks  of 
the  Tennessee,  which  flows  near  the  mound. 

We  pursued  our  march  up  the  narrow  defile  in 
the  mountains,  a  rudely  constructed  railroad 
extending  from  Shell  Mound  to  the  "  Castle  Rock 
Coal  Mines,"  at  the  head  of  the  Cove,  near  the 
summit  of  the  mountain.  The  trains  toiled  up  the 
steep  acclivity,  which  became  very  abrupt  and 
devious  on  Hearing  the  coal  mine.  Night  came 
on,  rendering  the  ascent  perilous  as  well  as  diffi- 
cult. The  road  wound  along  the  south  side  of  the 
ravine,  upon  a  narrow  track  excavated  in  the  moun- 
tain-side, while  above  and  below  was  a  frowning 
height  and  yawning  depth.  In  attempting  to 
reach  the  summit,  in  the  darkness  of  the  night, 
the  wagons  were  often  upon  the  verge  of  the  pre- 
cipice below,  and  two  were  finally  precipitated 
down  the  steep,  lodging  against  the  trees  in  their 
descent.  It  was  found  to  be  impossible  to  accom- 
plish the  object  till  morning,  and  the  train  paused 
in  its  plac.e,  while  the  troops  again  passed  the  night 
in  the  heart  of  the  mountain.  It  was  fearful  to 
contemplate  the  dangers  through  which  the  train 
had  passed,  as  we  moved  forward  the  following 
morning.  Fortunately  none  of  the  drivers  were 
hurt,  and  but  one  wagon  lost.  Never  had  an  army 
passed  through  this  deep  gorge  since  Jackson  led 
his  troops  up  the  same  steeps  during  the  Indian 


134  VICKSBURQ  TO   RALEIGH. 

war.  The  mountain-top  was  at  length  attained, 
and  a  brief  rest  afforded  the  troops.  Near  this 
point  the  three  States  of  Tennessee,  Alabama  and 
Georgia  unite  their  boundaries.  During  the  day 
we  were  in  all  three  of  these  States,  on  our  way 
across  the  mountain.  The  summit  is  a  rolling 
section  of  country,  with  a  scattered  growth  of 
timber,  and  light  sandy  soil.  The  inhabitants 
were  of  the  poorer  class,  who  had  no  interest  in 
the  success  of  rebellion.  Nevertheless  they  had 
been  forced  to  aid  in  the  effort  to  destroy  the 
nation's  life  and  crush  out  their  own  liberties,  by 
establishing  a  gigantic  despotism  in  the  place  of  a 
liberal  and  free  government. 

In  the  afternoon  of  the  18th  of  November  we 
reached  the  opposite  side  of  the  mountain,  and 
camped  on  the  summit,  overlooking  the  beautiful 
Lookout  Valley  and  the  little  town  of  Trenton, 
Bade  County,  Georgia,  while  the  vast  wall  of 
Lookout  Mountain  bounded  the  vision  on  the 
southeast  The  evening  was  calm  and  beautiful, 
and  the  sunlight  gilded  the  scene  before  us  with  a 
glow  of  almost  unearthly  loveliness.  The  eye 
never  tired  of  gazing  upon  the  landscape  spread 
out  before  us,  as  we  sat  upon  a  projecting  rock  and 
drank  in  its  beauties.  Then  the  wish  for  the  divine 
art  of  painting  was  awakened  in  many  minds,  that 
the  scene  might  be  faithfully  transferred  to  canvas. 
But,  alas !  how  vain  the  thought.  The  visions  of 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.  135 

beauty  and  sublimity  afforded  us  from  these  moun- 
tain summits  must  forever  linger  in  memory,  with- 
out one  touch  of  the  pencil  to  preserve  their  form. 
In  the  absence  of  the  painter's  skill  we  seized  the 
pen,  and  drew  an  outline  of  the  scene,  with  a  few 
of  the  thoughts  it  suggested  in  the  mind  of  the 
observer.  The  latter  are  reproduced  in  the  follow- 
ing paragraph. 

All  the  enginery  of  war  falls  into  insignificance 
in  the  presence  of  these  works  of  defense  thrown 
up  by  the  Almighty;  and  our  combined  armies 
seem  like  crowds  of  ants  upon  their  several  hillocks. 
"Why  does  man  contend,  amid  such  sublime  scenery, 
for  the  subversion  of  liberty,  whose  principles  are 
as  enduring  as  the  these  mountain  ranges  ?  We 
see  the  appropriateness  of  the  figures  employed  by 
the  sacred  writers,  drawn  from  the  mountain 
scenery  of  their  own  Canaan.  "We  can  understand, 
too,  why  Christ  went  up  into  the  mountain  to  pray 
and  to  teach;  for  who  could  fail  to  feel  the  force  of 
His  teachings,  amid  the  sublime  works  of  God, 
whom  He  represented  in  His  nature,  life,  and  char- 
acter! "Where  could  the  Son  of  God  so  hold 
audience  with  the  FatlTer  as  in  the  mountains  of 
Judea?  Infidelity  must  stand  mute  in  the  pres- 
ence of  a  person  like  Christ,  tempted,  praying, 
teaching,  dying  on  the  mountains,  and  from  them 
ascending  into  heaven. 


136  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

The  town  of  Trenton  was  occupied  by  a  small 
force  of  the  enemy,  a  portion  of  which  was  sur- 
prised and  captured  by  our  advance.  The  Second 
Brigade  moved  up  the  valley  to  Johnson's  Bend, 
on  a  reconnoisance ;  the  Third  Brigade  occupied 
Trenton,  while  the  First  Brigade  held  a  position 
on  the  mountain,  overlooking  the  valley,  and  was 
distributed  at  different  points  along  the  summit, 
with  orders  to  build  extensive  camp  fires,  and  thus 
deceive  the  enemy  in  regard  to  our  force.  The 
display  made  on  the  evening  of  the  18th  indicated 
the  presence  of  several  Divisions  and  aroused  the 
attention  of  the  enemy,  which  was  the  sole  object 
of  the  diversion.  In  this  we  were  successful,  com- 
pletely puzzling  the  enemy  as  to  the  strength, 
object,  and  subsequent  movements  of  the  forces  so 
suddenly  appearing  in  the  valley  and  threatening 
the  rear  of  the  force  occupying  Lookout  Mountain. 

On  the  19th  the  First  Brigade  moved  along  the 
crest  of  the  mountain,  and  descended  into  the 
valley  above  Trenton,  remaining  in  camp  till  the 
Second  Brigade  returned,  on  the  21st,  when  the 
entire  Division  moved  down  the  valley  toward 
Chattanooga.  While  halting  at  Trenton  the  Court 
House  was  accidentally  destroyed  by  fire.  The 
day  was  in  striking  contrast  with  that  spent  upon 
the  mountain,  being  cold  and  rainy,  dispelling  the 
enchantment  of  our  beautiful  vision  by  the  stern 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.        137 

realities  of  deep  mud  and  thoroughly  drenched 
clothing,  followed  by  an  uncomfortable  night. 

Major  General  Hooker,  with  the  Eleventh  and 
Twelfth  Corps,  had  driven  the  enemy  from  the 
valley  and  occupied  the  ground,  the  enemy  return- 
ing to  the  mountain-side,  where  he  held  a  strong 
position.  On  the  22nd  we  continued  our  march, 
through  and  in  rear  of  Hooker's  lines,  and  crossed 
the  Tennessee  under  cover  of  night  at  Brown's 
Ferry,  moving  up  the  valley  four  miles  and  camp- 
ing at  a  late  hour.  We  were  at  last  at  the  scene 
of  coming  conflict,  and  immediate  preparations 
were  made  for  re-crossing  the  Tennessee  and  mov- 
ing upon  the  enemy's  flank  on  Missionary  Ridge. 
The  next  day  was  spent  in  anxious  expectation  of 
movement,  while  fighting  was  in  progress  in  front 
of  Chattanooga. 

The  morning  of  November  24th  found  us  in 
motion.  Under  coyer  of  the  night  a  force  had 
been  thrown  across  the  Tennessee,  below  the 
mouth  of  the  Chickamauga,  and  the  pickets  of 
the  enemy  were  surprised  and  captured  before 
any  alarm  could  be  given.  Everything  progressed 
favorably,  and  a  pontoon  bridge  was  soon  thrown 
across  the  river.  Meanwhile,  troops  were  contin- 
"ually  crossing  on  the  steamer  Dunbar,  which  the 
enemy  had  failed  to  destroy  on  the  evacuation  of 
Chattanooga.  By  noon  the  Second,  Third,  and 
Fourth  Divisions  were  thrown  across,  under  the 


138  YICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

personal  direction  of  General  Sherman,  In  con- 
sequence of  the  breaking  of  the  pontoon  at 
Brown's  Ferry,  by  floating  trees  thrown  into  the 
river  by  the  enemy,  the  First  Division  was  unable 
to  effect  a  crossing,  and  Davis'  Division  of  the 
Fourteenth  Corps,  holding  a  position  on  the  north 
side  of  the  Tennessee,  was  ordered  across  and 
placed  in  reserve  on  Crutchfield's  plantation,  while 
General  Osterhaus  reported  to  General  Hooker. 
The  movement  of  the  previous  day  had  resulted  in 
our  favor,  and  the  enemy  was  driven  from  Orchard 
Knob,  a  strong  position  between  our  defenses  and 
the  enemy's  main  line  on  Missionary  Ridge,  giving 
our  forces  possession  of  the  valley  up  to  Citico 
Creek.  The  successful  accomplishment  of  our 
object  at  Crutchfield's  had  extended  our  control  of 
the  south  bank  of  the  Tennessee  to  the  mouth  of 
the  Chickamauga. 

Our  army  consisted  of  the  following  Corps: 
Major  General  Hooker — with  the  Twelfth  Corps, 
under  Major  General  Slocum;  the  Eleventh  Corps, 
under  Major  General  Howard;  and  the  First  Divi- 
sion, Fifteenth  Corps — on  the  right,  in  front  of  the 
enemy  on  Lookout  Mountain :  Major  General 
Thomas — with  the  Fourth  Corps,  under  Major 
General  Granger;  and  the  Fourteenth  Corps, 
excepting  Davis'  Division,  under  Major  General 
Palmer — in  the  centre :  and  Major  General  Sher- 
man— with  three  Divisions  of  the  Fifteenth  Corps, 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.  139 

under  Major  General  Blair;  and  Davis'  Division  of 
the  Fourteenth  Corps — on  the  left. 

The  operations  of  the  November  4th  were 
mainly  upon  the  right,  where  General  Hooker 
forced  the  enemy  from  his  entrenched  position, 
and  compelled  the  evacuation  of  Lookout  Moun- 
tain. The  contest  continued  till  midnight,  the 
roar  of  artillery  reverberating  through  the  valley, 
ia  the  stillness  of  the  night,  and  the  flash  of  the 
guns  being  distinctly  visible  at  a  distance  of  five 
miles.  No  advance  was  made  by  the  centre,  dur- 
ing the  day.  General  Sherman  formed  his  lines, 
and  moved  forward  by  the  right  flank,  meeting  no 
opposition,  and  occupied  a  prominent  position, 
overlooking  the  enemy's  works  at  Tunnel  Hill, 
where  he  entrenched  during  the  night.  The  dis- 
position of  the  forces  was  as  follows :  The  Second 
Division  on  the  extreme  left,  the  Third  Division  in 
the  centre,  and  the  Fourth  Division  on  the  right. 
A  Brigade  of  the  Eleventh  Corps  also  reported  to 
General  Sherman  for  duty,  and  was  placed  in 
reserve  behind  our  right,  while  Davis  remained  at 
Crutchfield's  plantation.  The  Second  and  Third 
Divisions,  with  the  Third  Brigade  of  the  Fourth 
Division,  held  an  entrenched  position  on  the  sum- 
mit of  the  hill.  The  Second  Brigade  of  our  Divi- 
sion was  also  entrenched,  at  right  angles  with  the 
front  line,  while  the  First  Brigade  lay  in  reserve 
during  the  night. 


140  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

From  the  summit  of  the  hill  occupied  by  our 
troops  a  clear  view  of  the  field  of  operations  was 
afforded.  The  sun  rose  in  glory  after  a  dismal, 
cloudy  day,  and  a  cold,  cheerless  night,  shedding 
his  enlivening  influence  over  the  scene  of  the 
approaching  conflict.  The  valley  of  the  Tennessee, 
twith  the  beautiful  stream  running  like  a  silver 
thread  through  it,  Warden's  Ridge,  and  Raccoon 
Mountain  in  the  distance,  and  Lookout  Mountain, 
with  Chattanooga  at  its  base,  were  all  clothed  in 
beauty,  while  man  was  preparing  the  enginery  of 
destruction  for  the  fierce  contest  which  was  to 
decide  the  fate  of  that  great  central  point  in  mili- 
tary operations  in  East  Tennessee. 

"What  Austerlitz  was  to  Napoleon  Chattanooga 
was  to  Grant.  More  than  a  hundred  thousand 
men  were  awaiting  the  final  struggle  of  military 
power  for  the  possession  of  Misionary  Ridge,  each 
party  apparently  confident  of  triumph.  The  hour 
for  action  had  come,  and  Sherman  led  off  in  an 
attack  upon  the  enemy's  right,  all  being  quiet  in 
the  centre.  At  8  A.  M.  the  line  of  battle  was 
formed,  and  at  10  o'clock  all  was  ready  for  the 
signal  to  charge  upon  the  works  of  the  enemy, 
who  had  already  opened  upon  our  extended  lines 
from  the  batteries  that  crowned  the  summit  of  the 
Ridge.  The  rebel  line  was  in  position,  in  front  of 
our  right,  ready  to  dispute  our  advance.  The 
order  was  given  to  charge,  and  our  lines  advanced 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.  141 

upon  a  run,  forcing  the  enemy  up  the  steep  hill- 
side. The  battle  raged  in  all  its  fury,  the  shriek- 
ing of  shells,  the  whizzing  of  bulletts,  and  the 
reverberations  of  artillery  combining  to  awe  the 
beholder.  The  First  Brigade  formed  the  right  of 
the  line,  the  Regiment  being  on  the  extreme  right. 
In  beautiful  and  unbroken  line  the  command 
pressed  forward  through  open  fields,  throwing 
down  and  leaping  fences,  and  crossing  ditches, 
till  it  approached  the  railroad,  when  it  was  ordered 
to  lie  down  under  cover  of  a  gentle  acclivity, 
while  the  battle  continued  to  rage  furiously  on  our 
left. 

But  little  time  was  given  for  careful  observation. 
The  wounded  began  to  fall  to  the  rear,  bringing 
the  report  of  the  killed.  One  and  another  of  the 
soldiers  who  had  become  objects  of  affectionate 
regard,  were  brought  from  the  field,  or  came  hob- 
ling  on  one  limb.  One  of  these,  mortally  wounded, 
calmly  committed  himself  and  the  friends  he  loved 
to  the  care  of  God,  at  the  same  time  clasping  a 
friend  in  his  arms.  Another  lost  his  right  eye,  and 
in  the  midst  of  intense  pain  said,  "  I  thank  God, 
if  I  die,  that  I  perish  in  a  noble  cause." 

For  five  hours  the  Brigade  occupied  their  exposed 
position,  during  which  time  many  noble  men  per- 
ished. The  only  fire  the  troops  could  give  was 
delivered  while  lying  upon  the  ground.  The  battle 
continued  to  rage  upon  our  left,  where  successive 


142  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

assaults  were  repulsed.  Another  attempt  was 
made  to  gain  the  summit.  Our  forces  pressed  the 
enemy  closely,  when  re-inforcements  arrived  to  aid 
the  foe.  With  guns  almost  meeting  those  of  the 
enemy  our  brave  men  still  held  their  ground,  while 
death  cut  them  down  every  moment.  The  enemy 
succeeded  in  flanking  the  right  of  our  line,  when 
the  heroic  band  was  compelled  to  give  way.  The 
hill- side  was  the  object  of  interest  to  every  beholder. 
The  enemy  continued  to  pour  a  murderous  fire 
upon  the  retreating  lines,  accompanied  by  yells  of 
triumph,  which  rung  through  the  valley  below. 
The  entire  line  was  withdrawn  within  the  entrench- 
ments, having  suffered  a  severe  loss.  But  our 
demonstrations  upon  the  enemy's  flank  had  secured 
his  defeat,  by  weakening  his  centre.  Bragg  had 
moved  a  heavy  force  to  his  right,  to  resist  further 
assaults,  when  Grant  perceived  the  advantage,  and 
ordered  Thomas  to  advance.  The  enemy's  works 
were  speedily  carried,  and  the  victory  was  ours. 
Bragg  retreated  toward  Dalton  during  the  night, 
and  Chattanooga  was  relieved  from  a  state  of  siege. 
The  loss  in  the  Fourth  Division  was  severe.  In 
the  First  Brigade  nearly  five  hundred  were  killed 
and  wounded.  Among  the  killed  was  Colonel 
O'Meara,  of  the  Ninetieth  Illinois,  a  brave  and 
noble  oificer.  The  loss  of  the  Regiment  was  less 
severe  than  that  of  the  other  regiments  of  the 
Brigade,  in  consequence  of  the  ground  it  occupied 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.  143 

being  more  protected  against  the  fire  of  the  enemy. 
The  following  is  a  complete  list  of  casualties  in  the 
Regiment : 

Field  and  Staif— Wounded:  Adjutant  J.  D. 
Bond,  Quartermaster  James  A.  McClellan. 

Co.  A — Wounded:  Orderly  Sergeant-  J.  M. 
Tobias,  E.  F.  Dennis,  David  Okes,  I.  S.  Wagner. 

Co.  B — Killed:  Captain  Frank  H.  Aveline, 
Casper  Miller,  Henry  Ridenbaugh.  Wounded : 
Sergeant  James  Strouse,  E.  J.  Amspaugh,  George 
Buser,  George  Gray,  George  Inks,  Samuel  Hague, 
Jacob  Kincade,  P.  P.  Miner,  Orrin  Rima,  P.  J. 
Weismautel. 

% 

Co.  C — Wounded:  Captain  Hezekiah  Beeson, 
Corporal  William  E.  Mowbray,  James  M.  Evans, 
William  H.  Kelly,  William  Lowry,  William  Metz- 
ger. 

Co.  D — Killed:  William  Skevington,  Jacob 
Vanscoy.  Wounded:  Captain  George  Bowman, 
Sergeant  William  Irelan,  Corporal  James  H.  Ed- 
wards, James  Rider,  H.  E.  Scott,  James  W.  Sines. 

Co.  E — Killed:  Sergeant  Joshua  Woodward. 
Wounded:  Sergeant  H.  A.  L.  Green,  Corporal 
Samuel  L.  Johns,  Corporal  J.  E.  Kirk,  Thomas  F. 
Carter,  Elisha  Dearing. 

Co.  F — Wounded:  Corporal  Joseph  Coar,  I. 
M.  Keith,  J.  C.  Mitchell. 


144  VTCKSBURa  TO   RALEIGH. 

Co.  G — Killed :  Corporal  E.  B.  Copper,  George 
W.  Kelly.  Wounded :  Captain  James  Huston,  Ord- 
erly Sergeant  Ralph  Copper,  Sergeant  Jacob 
Hiday,  Daniel  Hoover,  William  Scott. 

Co.  II — Wounded:  1st  Lieutenant  J.  E.  Hart, 
Joseph  D.  Camp,  Nathaniel  Cohee,  Elijah  Asbury. 

Co.  I — Killed :  Henry  Blauser,  Hemy  Smith. 
Wounded :  Monroe  Kreiter,  William  Snyder,  Jo- 
seph Wedrick. 

Co.  K — Wounded :  Sergeant  L.  T.  Barbour, 
John  Linton,  Patrick  McTigue,  Joseph  Pompey. 

The  following  day  was  spent,  by  a  detail  from 
the  Brigade,  in  burying  the  dead  upon  the  battle- 
field, an  arduous  task  and  full  of  sadness.  Thirty- 
five  were  buried  where  they  fell,  occupying  the 
entire  day  and  till  9  o'clock  P.  M.  The  scene 
presented  on  that  day  was  one  long  to  be  remem- 
bered. Upon  the  hill-side,  where  the  repeated 
charges  had  been  repulsed,  the  dead  thickly  strew- 
ed the  ground.  Of  the  wounded  at  Division  Hos- 
pital about  forty  died,  and  it  was  our  sad  duty  to 
commit  them  to  rest.  The  following  members  of 
the  Regiment  died  of  the  wounds  received : 

February  15th  1864 — Captain  Hezekiah  Beeson,  Company  C. 
December  20th  1863— William  H.  Kelly,  Company  C. 
December  30th  1863 — Elisha  Dearing,  Company  E. 

Of  the  lamented  dead  none  was  more  missed 
from  the  society  of  those  comrades  in  arms  who 


THE  CHATTANOOGA  CAMPAIGN.        145 

survived  thau  Captain  Frank  H.  Aveline.  lie  was 
an  efficient  officer,  and  greatly  beloved  by  his 
Company.  His  most  intimate  friends  evinced  deep 
sorrow  over  his  -sad  fate.  One  of  these  spoke  of 
the  sadness  that  marked  the  last  interview  on  the 
morning  of  the  battle,  when  Captain  Aveline 
seemed  to  be  impressed  with  a  presentiment  of  his 
fate.  The  news  of  his  death  affected  his  friend  to 
tears,  the  first  he  had  shed  for  many  long  years. 
The  father  came,  soon  after  receiving  news  of  his 
death,  and  conveyed  the  remains  to  Fort  Wayne, 
where  the  afflicted  family  received  them,  and  laid 
the  precious  dust  to  rest.  His  Company  contrib- 
uted $400  to  purchase  a  monument,  which  was 
executed  from  a  design  by  his  friend,  Major  Bald- 
win, a  broken  column,  draped  with  the  flag  for 
which  the  martyr  died. 

Sergeant  Joshua  "Woodward,  of  Company  E, 
was  a  young  man  of  noble  character,  and  died 
lamented  by  all  his  comrades.  His  afflicted  family 
were  inconsolable  over  his  death.  His  calmness 
on  the  battle-field  after  receiving  the  injuries  of 
which  he  soon  died,  evinced  a  willingness  to  meet 
his  fate  with  true  Christian  resignation.  William 
Skevington  and  George  Kelly  were  two  interesting 
and  noble  boys,  who  fell  in  the  charge. 

Casper  Miller  had  served  five  years  in  the  Ger- 
man States,  five  in  the  Regular  Army  of  the  United 
States,  two  in  Mexico,  and  nearly  three  in  the  late 


146  VICKSBURQ   TO    RALEIGH. 

war,  when  he  was  suddenly  killed  by  a  shell,  and 
struck  a  second  time  immediately  afterwards. 
Corporal  E.  B.  Copper  and  Henry  Ridenbaugh  had 
their  heads  torn  off  by  shells,  and  were  not  dis- 
tinguishable except  by  a  small  remnant  of  hair  at 
the  back  of  the  head,  and  by  their  clothing.  Henry 
Smith,  of  Company  I,  was  greatly  lamented  by  his 
comrades,  who  loved  him  for  his  genial  spirit  and 
musical  talent,  with  which  he  cheered  many  weary 
hours  while  in  camp. 

Captain  Beeson,  of  Company  C,  was  struck,  on 
the  right  foot,  by  a  cannon  ball,  which  fearfully 
mangled  the  limb,  but  with  unconquerable  resolu- 
tion he  resisted  all  appeals  in  favor  of  amputation, 
and,  after  suffering  nearly  three  months,  was  in  a 
fair  way  of  recovery,  when  erysipelas  set  in  and 
carried  him  to  the  grave.  His  loss  was  lamented 
by  all  who  knew  him,  but  most  deeply  by  his 
Company,  who  loved  him  for  his  kindness  and 
watchful  interest  in  the  welfare  of  his  men. 

"  None  knew  him  but  to  love  him  ; 
None  named  him  but  to  praise." 


CHAPTER  XII. 


RELIEF  OF  KNOXVILLE. 

On  the  retreat  of  Bragg,  a  vigorous  pursuit  was 
ordered,  and  the  array  moved  at  an  early  hour  on 
the  26th  of  November.  Hooker  encountered  the 
enemy  in  a  strong  position,  at  Ringgold,  and  a, 
severe  engagement  ensued,  in  which  a  considerable 
loss  was  sustained  by  our  forces,  but  the  enemy 
was  finally  driven  from  his  chosen  ground,  and 
continued  his  retreat  toward  Dalton.  Sherman 
met  no  resistance,  though  pressing  the  enemy's 
rear  in  close  pursuit  beyond  Graysville. 

Affairs  wore  an  unfavorable  aspect  at  Knoxville, 
where  Burnside,  with  an  inadequate  force,  was 
reduced  to  a  state  of  siege  by  Longstreet,  who 
had  been  detached  from  the  main  army  before 
Chattanooga  in  October,  and  ordered  to  operate 
in  that  region  of  East  Tennessee.  Knoxville  had 
been  occupied  by  Burnside,  in  conjunction  with  the 
occupation  of  Chattanooga  by  Rosecraus,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  withdrawal  of  the  enemy  from  the 


148  „     VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

place.  The  successful  issue  of  the  battle  of  Chick- 
aniauga  emboldened  Bragg  to  attempt  the  re-occu- 
pation of  East  Tennessee.  Longstreet  was  therefore 
ordered  to  move  against  Burnside,  with  a  superior 
force,  while  Bragg  hoped  to  compel  the  evacua- 
tion of  Chattanooga  with  the  force  under  his  com- 
mand. This  must  have  been  the  result,  but  for  the 
speedy  re-info rcement  of  the  army  and  the  untir- 
ing energy  of  Grant.  The  defeat  of  Bragg  at 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Missionary  Ridge  left  a 
portion  of  the  army  free  to  aid  Burnside,  and 
General  Sherman  received  instructions  to  proceed 
directly  to  the  relief  of  Knoxville. 

At  the  time  these  instructions  were  received,  our 
forces  were  employed  in  destroying  the  railroad 
leading  from  Dalton  to  Cleveland.  General  Sher- 
man immediately  assumed  command  of  the  troops 
ordered  upon  the  new  campaign,  embracing  the 
following  organizations,  viz :  the  Fourth  Corps, 
under  Major  General  Granger ;  the  Eleventh  Corps, 
under  Major  General  Howard;  the  Fourteenth 
Corps,  under  Major  General  Palmer;  and  the 
Second  and  Fourth  Divisions  of  the  Fifteenth 
Corps,  under  Major  General  Blair.  The  cheerful- 
ness of  the  troops,  in  prospect  of  a  severe  cam- 
paign at  that  late  season,  was  inspired  by  the  hope 
of  forever  freeing  East  Tennessee  from  Confeder- 
ate control.  The  several  commands  moved  toward 
Cleveland,  at  which  place  the  Fourth  Division 


RELIEF   OF   KNOXVILLE.  149 

arrived  on  the  29th  of  November,  having  been 
engaged  in  the  work  of  destruction  along  the  rail- 
road the  preceding  day. 

On  the  30th  the  army  took  up  the  line  of  march, 
via  Charleston,  Athens,  Philadelphia,  Morganton, 
and  Marysville,  reaching  the  latter  place  on  the 
5th  of  December,  having  marched  eighty-five 
miles  in  four  days,  with  one  day's  delay  in  crossing 
the  Little  Tennesee. 

This  march  was  accomplished  in  the  most  inclem- 
ent season  of  the  year,  without  rations,  the  troops 
subsisting  entirely  on  forage,  and  with  scanty 
clothing,  supplies  of  which  could  not  be  obtained 
at  Chattanooga,  had  time  been  allowed  to  issue. 
In  all  the  history  of  the  war  no  march  presented  a 
stronger  exhibition  of  endurance  than  that  to  which 
reference  is  here  made. 

The  region  of  country  through  which  the  army 
passed  was  fertile,  and  produced  abundant  harvests. 
These  had  been  subject  to  seizure  for  supplying 
the  rebel  army  on  its  way  to  Knoxville,  and  the 
remainder  was  appropriated  by  our  forces.  What 
rendered  this  the  more  severe  was  the  fact  that  the 
people  of  East  Tennessee  were  loyal  to  the  Govern- 
ment, and  had  already  suffered  great  indignities 
and  persecution  at  the  instigation  of  the  rebel 
authorities.  No  people  ever  exhibited  a  more 
unyielding  devotion  to  principle  than  the  inhabit- 
ants of  this  region,  under  Confederate  rule.  Their 


150  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

knowledge  of  the  situation  at  Knoxville  and  the 
object  for  which  we  were  marching  through  their 
fertile  valleys,  together  with  their  apprehension  of 
the  fact  that  we  could  not  transport  supplies  for 
our  army  on  a  forced  march,  and  more  than  all, 
the  sight  of  the  dear  old  flag,  whose  protection 
they  had  awaited  with  painful  anxiety,  led  them  'to 
consecrate  all  they  had  to  our  use,  and  they  cheer- 
fully and  joyfully  opened  their  stores  for  all  who 
sought  supplies.  The  long-hidden  flags  were 
brought  forth  and  waved  in  token  of  welcome  and 
hope  of  the  redemption  which  they  saw  drawing 
near.  The  strong-hold  of  loyalty  in  East  Tennes- 
see, so  long  guarded  by  the  bayonets  of  traitors, 
had  been  restored  to  the  authority  of  the  Union, 
and  now  the  hosts  of  treason  were  encamped  about 
the  beautiful  city  to  re-subjugate  it.  To  avert  its 
fall  we  were  come,  and  thousands  hailed  us  as 
deliverers,  in  behalf  of  all  the  loyal  people  of  that 
region. 

Longstreet  was  pressing  the  siege  with  great 
vigor,  and,  learning  of  our  movement  from  Chat- 
tanooga for  the  relief  of  the  garrison,  made  a 
desperate  assault  upon  the  place,  the  result  of 
which  was  disastrous  in  the  extreme.  The  gallant 
defenders  hurled  back  the  assailants  in  confusion, 
after  almost  superhuman  efforts  to  gain  possession 
of  the  works.  Finding  it  impossible  to  reduce 
the  place  by  assault,  and  aware  of  the  rapid  march 


RELIEF   OF   KNOXVILLK.  151 

of  Sherman  for  its  relief,  Longstreet  raised  the 
siege,  on  the  5tli  of  December,  and  retreated  toward 
Strawberry  Plains,  thus  rendering  our  further 
advance  unnecessary,  and  the  army  paused  at 
Marysviile,  twelve  miles  south  of  Knoxville.  Pur- 
suit at  that  season  was  inexpedient,  and  General 
Sherman  at  once  commenced  the  return  march  to 
Chattanooga,  having  received  from  General  Burn- 
side  a  noble  tribute  of  gratitude  for  the  efficient 
aid  rendered  in  compelling  the  enemy  to  raise  the 
siege.  The  order  was  subsequently  read  to  all  the 
troops. 

On  the  return,  the  army  was  under  the  necessity 
of  pursuing  a  different  route,  as  far  as  possible,  for 
the  purpose  of  collecting  supplies  for  the  troops. 
The  Fourth  Division  moved  to  Athens,  via  Madi- 
sonville,  reaching  the  former  place  on  the  9th  of 
December,  and  resting  in  camp  till  the  13th.  The 
roads  were  in  a  terrible  condition,  from  frequent 
rains,  and  the  troops  marched  along  the  railroad 
track  from  Athens,  suffering  intensely  from  cold 
weather,  many  being  without  shoes,  and  almost 
destitute  of  clothing.  On  the  14th,  the  army  arriv- 
ed at  Cleveland,  and  after  two  days  of  additional 
suffering  reached  Chattanooga,  in  a  most  pitiable 
condition.  The  appearance  of  the  brave  men  who 
Lad  rescued  East  Tennessee  from  the  grasp  of 
tyranny  reminded  us  of  Valley  Forge  and  the 
barefoot  soldiers  of  the  Revolution.  No  period  of 


152  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

the  war  presented  a  scene  surpassing  in  wretched- 
ness that  afforded  on  the  return  of  Sherman's 
command  from  that  memorahle  march. 

The  Fourth  Division  encamped  on  the  battle- 
field  of  November  25th,  and  visited  the  scene  of 
their  conflict  for  the  first  time.  That  evening 
with  the  men  in  camp  w.ill  not  soon  be  forgotten. 
We  had  not  shared  with  them  the  scenes  of  toil 
and  privation  which  succeeded  the  fierce  conflict 
on  this  ground,  almost  a  month  previous.  It  had 
been  our  sad  duty  to  remain  on  the  battle-field  and 
direct  the  interment  of  the  brave  men  who  had 
perished  there,  and  subsequently  to  commit  those 
who  died  of  wounds  to  their  final  rest.  But  in  all 
the  horrors  of  the  battle-field,  as  seen  by  moonlight, 
with  the  stars  keeping  vigil  over  the  dead  forms 
whitened  by  frost;  or  by  day,  with  mangled  bodies 
collected  for  burial  beside  the  common  receptacle 
prepared  for  them ;  or  in  the  sad  scene  of  the 
weeks  that  succeeded — amid  the  dead  and  dying 
at  hospital — we  had  not  witnessed  a  more  impres- 
sive spectacle  than  the  condition  of  the  Regiment 
presented.  Nothing  could  more  clearly  evince  the 
severity  of  privation  and  suffering  to  which  brave 
men  were  subjected  than  the  combined  testimony 
furnished  on  that  occasion.  Without  shoes,  they 
had  covered  their  feet  with  fresh  raw-hide  or  rem- 
nants of  old  clothing.  Their  clothes  were  in  tat- 
ters, and  a  single  shirt  had  sufficed  for  the  entire 


RELIEF   OF   KNOXVILLE.  153 

period  of  absence,  while  officers  and  men,  without 
exception,  were  annoyed  by  "  gray  backs,"  by 
which  expressive  term  the  vermin  of  the  camp  are 
known.  The  knapsack  contained  only  the  blanket, 
which  constituted  the  bed,  in  lieu  of  which  many 
had  substituted  bed-quilts  aud  coverlets — picked  up 
on  the  march — while  the  haversack  could  boast  of 
only  a  small  quantity  of  corn  meal  and  the  coffee 
ration.  It  was  not  only  in  appearance,  but  in 
actual  suffering,  that  these  men  elicited  sympathy 
from  us.  Upon  the  route  they  had  marked  their 
tracks  with  blood,  and  on  coarse  and  scanty  food 
they  had  endured  the  storms,  and  waded  through 
mud,  cheered  by  the  hope  of  abundant  rations  and 
clothing  on  reaching  Chattanooga.  The  past  was 
canceled  by  the  cheering  prospect  of  comfort  and 
food,  in  the  future. 

But  on  the  evening  of  their  arrival  it  was  ascer- 
tained that  only  rations  could  be  furnished  before 
reaching  Bridgeport,  as  the  railroad  was  not  yet 
open  from  that  point.  With  this  partial  relief  from 
suffering,  the  troops  were  obliged  to  be  satisfied, 
since  impossibilities  could  not  be  required.  Yet  it 
did  seem  that  shoes  for  the  suffering  soldier  in  the 
field  might  be  furnished,  by  the  reduction  of  trans- 
portation on  articles  less  needful.  But  the  Com- 
missary Department  must  furnish  the  requisite 
amount  of  whisky  for  the  pampered  officials  at 
(jhattauooga,  if  some  essentials  to  comfort  were 


154  VICKSBURQ    TO    RALEIGH. 

denied  the  troops.  And  the  sutlers,  too,  could 
usually  smuggle  to  the  front  their  agglomeration 
of  good,  bad,  and  indifferent  commodities,  the 
latter  two  qualities  largely  predominating.  But 
no  matter  what  the  value  of  their  goods  might  be, 
they  were  cash  articles,  at  exorbitant  rates,  which 
few  soldiers,  long  unpaid,  were  prepared  to  pur- 
chase. 

The  march  was  therefore  resumed  by  the  Fif- 
teenth Corps — which  was  ordered  to  return  to 
Alabama — on  the  18th  of  December,  the  coldest 
day  of  the  season,  succeeded  by  a  fearful  night 
which  tested  the  power  of  endurance  to  its  utmost. 
The  following  day  the  troops  arrived  at  Bridgeport, 
rejoicing  in  the  certain  prospect  of  shoes  and  cloth- 
ing. A  number  of  the  officers  from  different  regi- 
ments sent  their  horses  with  the  command,  and 
took  passage  on  the  steamer  Dunbar,  for  Bridge- 
port, on  the  19th.  This  boat  was  originaly  a  popu- 
lar packet,  running  from  Evansville  to  Paducah  on 
the  Ohio,  at  the  commencement  of  war.  She  was 
captured  by  the  enemy  on  the  Tennessee,  in  1861, 
and  removed  to  the  upper  section  of  the  river,  over 
the  Muscle  Shoals,  and  had  escaped  destruction  in 
the  recent  abandonment  of  the  Tennessee.  The 
fine  cabin  had  long  since  been  removed,  and  no 
comforts  were  provided  against  the  cold,  except  by 
huddling  around  the  boilers.  The  day  was  very 
cold,  and  the  passage  would  have  been  tedious  but 


RELIEF    OF   KNOXVILLE.  155 

for  the  sublime  objects  that  presented  themselves 
to  view,  on  our  way  through  the  mountains.  The 
distance  from  Chattanooga  to  Bridgeport,  by  river, 
is  sixty  miles,  most  of  this  distance  being  through 
the  rugged  scenery  of  the  mountain  region.  Along 
the  north  side  of  the  river  the  wagon  road,  recently 
used  for  supplying  the  besieged  garrison  at  Chatta- 
nooga, runs,  scaling  the  mountains  where  it  forms 
the  precipitous  bank  of  the  stream,  and  again 
descending  to  the  base  of  the  cliffs  where  a  narrow 
passage  intervenes  between  them  and  the  river. 

Several  narrow  and  deep  channels  in  the  rocky 
bed  present  features  of  peculiar  interest.  Three 
of  these  are  called,  respectively,  "  the  suck,"  "the 
pot,"  and  "  the  skillet."  Through  them  the  water 
rushes  with  fearful  violence.  To  enable  the 
ascending  boats  to  surmount  the  resistance  of  the 
current,  a  capstan,  with  strong  leverage,  is  erected 
on  the  south  bank,  to  which  ropes  being  attached, 
the  passengers  and  crew  drag  the  steamer,  with 
the  aid  of  her  wheels,  up  the  channel.  Great  care 
is  requisite  in  the  descent,  at  low  water,  to  avoid 
striking  the  rocky  sides  of  the  narrow  opening 
through  which  the  water  passes. 

A  picture  of  destitution  was  presented  on  board 
the  Dunbar,  which  elicited  the  sympathy  of  all 
hearts,  and  prompted  a  generous  collection  for  the 
benefit  of  the  sufferers.  A  family  of  refugees, 
consisting  of  the  parents  and  twelve  children,  came 


156  VICKSBURG    TO    RALEIGH. 

on  board  at  Chattanooga,  on  their  way  north. 
They  had  no  means,  their  entire  possessions  com- 
prising a  few  articles  of  bedding  wrapped  up  in  a 
bundle.  The  children  were  without  covering  for 
heads  or  feet^  and  thinly  clad,  among  strangers, 
and  bound  to  an  unknown  destination.  The  group 
sat  shivering,  but  uncomplaining  upon  the  lower 
deck,  a  sad  witness  against  the  cruel  wickedness  of 
the  rebellion  that  had  involved  multitudes  of  inno- 
cent families  in  similar  suffering.  The  class  to 
which  this  family  belonged  have  borne  the  severest 
weight  of  sorrow,  affliction,  and  destitution  known 
in  the  land,  without  possessing  the  intelligence  or 
energy  to  rise  from  the  deep  degradation  in  which 
they  are  involved. 

On  reaching  Bridgeport  the  troops  were  gratified 
to  learn  that  Major  General  John  A.  Logan  had 
been  assigned  to  command  the  Fifteenth  Corps, 
Major  General  Blair  having  taken  his  seat  in  Con- 
gress, as  a  Representative  from  Missouri.  The 
First  and  Third  Divisions  had  preceded  us  to  this 
point,  where  General  Logan  had  been  in  command 
from  their  arrival.  Henceforth  the  history  of  the 
Corps  is  the  history  of  this  popular  officer,  who 
has  distinguished  himself  for  his  gallantry  and 
efficiency  in  the  great  campaigns  under  Sherman. 
No  citizen  has  excelled  him  in  good  qualities  or 
exercise  of  skill,  as  a  military  leader,  and  of  all  the 
Major  Generals  from  civil  life,  John  A.  Logan 


RELIEF   OF   KNOXVILLE.  157 

may,  without  presumption,  be  regarded  as  the 
most  popular  and  beloved.  He  is  esteemed,  not 
merely  for  what  he  has  done  in  the  field,  but  for 
his  great  influence  in  his  own  State  and  throughout 
the  North ;  and  for  his  sterling  ability  and  noble 
integrity,  as  an  uncompromising  advocate  of  the 
most  stringent  measures  for  suppressing  rebellion. 
The  influence  of  General  Logan,  during  the  can- 
vass  of  1863,  was  so  severely  felt  by  the  opponents 
of  the  Administration,  that  it  was  currently  report- 
ed and  believed — in  the  army  and  at  home — that 
a  protest  was  sent  to  General  Grant,  from  Illinois, 
complaining  of  his  protracted  absence  from  the 
army,  which  privilege  he  was  using  for  the  vilifica- 
tion of  his  follow  citizens,  to  which  Grant  replied, 
in  his  sententious  manner,  "  I  consider  General 
Logan  on  duty,  when  he  is  at  home  fighting  Cop- 
perheads." No  man  in  Illinois  ever  made  greater 
havoc  among  that  brood  of  reptiles  than  John  A. 
Logan,  and  hence,  when  he  returned  to  the  army 
he  was  very  appropriately  placed  in  command  of 
the  Fifteenth  Corps,  where  he  could  strike  as 
effectively  for  the  overthrow  of  armed  treason,  as 
he  had  struck  for  the  defeat  of  its  allies  in  the 
North.  Let  the  subsequent  history  of  the  man  BO 
beloved  by  that  Corps,  and  of  that  command  itself, 
testify  to  the  measure  of  his  efficiency. 

On  the  20th  of  December,  the  weary  and  worn 
troops  were  supplied  with  all  that  the  Quartermas- 
ter and  Commissary  Department  could  furnish, 


158  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

and  the  Regiment  appeared  on  dress  parade,  on 
the  evening  of  the  23rd,  with  new  outfit  entire, 
presenting  a  striking  contrast  with  its  previous 
appearance.  After  receipt  of  pay  for  September 
and  October,  the  Corps  received  marching  orders, 
and  moved  to  the  designated  stations  for  the  win- 
ter— on  the  Memphis  and  Charleston  Railroad — 
between  Stevenson  and  Huntsville,  Alabama.  The 
Fourth  Division  was  stationed  on  the  eastern  por- 
tion of  the  line,  extending  from  Stevenson  to 
Scottsboro,  and  connecting  with  the  Second 
Division,  at  Larkinsville  and  Woodville,  while  the 
First  Division  held  Huntsville,  and  the  Third  was 
distributed  along  the  line  east  of  that  place.  The 
head-quarters  of  the  Corps  were  at  Huntsville, 
while  those  of  the  Fourth  Division  were  at  Scotts- 
boro, at  which  point  we  arrived  on  the  26th  of 
December. 

A  brief  retrospect  of  the  period,  intervening 
between  our  departure  from  Camp  Sherman  and 
our  arrival  at  Scottsboto,  presents  many  topics  of 
interest,  not  noticed  in  this  and  the  preceding 
chapters.  During  the  three  months  occupied  in 
ceaseless  activity,  the  entire  Division  had  marched 
from  Memphis  to  Marysville,  East  Tennessee,  and 
returned  to  this  point,  a  distance  of  more  than 
seven  hundred  miles,  being  the  only  Division  of 
the  Corps  that  had  performed  this  herculean  labor. 
"We  had  crossed  the  Tennessee  seven  times,  scaled 


RELIEF   OF   KNOXVILLE.  159 

mountains,  and  swept  through  rich  valleys,  through 
heat  and  cold,  sun  and  storm,  stumbling  over  rocks 
or  plunging  in  the  deep  mud,  with  all  the  un- 
numbered incidents  of  a  march  then  unparalleled 
in  the  history  of  the  war,  and  only  exceeded 
in  thrilling  events  by  subsequent  campaigns  in 
Georgia  and  South  Carolina.  In  the  distance 
traveled  without  rest,  it  still  remains  unequaled. 
No  other  army  ever  moved  on  one  unbroken 
march  of  seven  hundred  miles  in  the  space  of 
three  months,  aided  in  relieving  two  beleaguered 
garrisons  from  a  state  of  siege,  and  all  with  more 
general  cheerfulness  than  the  Fifteenth  Corps 
evinced,  during  the  months  of  October,  November, 
and  December,  1863.  In  all  these  the  Regiment 
shared,  and  will  inherit  the  honors. 

The  Regiment  had  shown  in  former  times — in 
the  camps  of  "Western  Teunesee,  and  on  the  Big 
Black — its  superior  drill  and  discipline,  but  except- 
ing on  the  line  at  Jackson  it  had  not  been  under 
fire  since  the  engagement  at  Richmond.  At  Mis- 
sionary Ridge  it  had  shared  in  the  praise  due  the 
entire  First  and  Second  Brigades  for  the  gallantry 
exhibited  under  the  concentrated  fire  of  rebel  bat- 
teries, in  a  position  which  rendered  it  impossible 
to  return  an  effective  fire.  The  officers  and  men 
entertain  feelings  of  pride  in  view  of  the  record  of 
this  period  of  the  service. 


160  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

But  the  accomplishment  of  the  object,  which 
called  us  from  the  rear  of  Vicksburg  to  East  Ten- 
nessee, left  its  traces  in  our  thinned  ranks,  and  in 
the  vacant  places  created  by  those  who  had  fallen. 
The  memory  of  those  we  loved  for  their  noble 
deeds  and  heroic  endurance  will  be  perpetual,  and 
their  far-off  graves  will  often  recur  to  mind  amid 
the  scenes  of  busy  life.  The  following  list  includes 
all  who  died  of  disease  during  this  period,  most  of 
whom  died  in  General  Hospital,  whither  they  had 
been  removed  on  our  departure  from  Vicksburg  : 

October  4th — Thomas  Simmons,  Company  H,  Memphis,  Tenn. 

October  7th — Peter  Hunter,  Company  K,  drowned  at  Helena, 
Arkansas. 

October  12th — George  R.  Smith,  Company  B,  Rome  City,   Ind. 

October  15th — Peter  Patram,  Company  E,  Memphis,  Tenn. 

October  16th — Abraham  Gross,  Company  F,  Corinth,  Miss. 

October  20th — John  Pickard,  Company  I,  St.  Louis,  Missouri. 

October  22nd — Martin  Linder,  Company  K,  Memphis,  Tenn. 

October  23rd — John  Meyer,  Company  K,  Memphis,  Tenn. 

October  23rd — Moses  Walter,  Company  B,  Memphis  Tenn. 

October  27th — Evan  Day,  Company  E,  luka,  Mississippi. 

October  28th — William  Steele,  Company  A,  luka,  Mississippi. 

November  1st — Thomas  B.  Bannon,  Company  G,  Waterloo,  Ala. 

November  2nd — Paul  W.  Quinn,  Company  H,  Memphis,  Tenn. 

November  3rd — Charles  Evard,  Company  B,  Corinth,  Miss. 

November  5th  —  John  D.  Button,  Company  A,  Memphis,  Tenn. 

November  12th — Corporal  Henry  McBride,  Company  F,  Dech- 
erd,  Tennessee. 

November  13th — David  A.  Scott,  Company  K,  Anderson,  Ala. 

November  14th — Amos  Bucy,  Company  H,  Anderson,  Ala. 

November  14th — Hiram  Wood,  Company  E,  Anderson.  Ala. 


RELIEF   OF   KNOXVILLE.  161 

p 

November  14th — Jonathan  Herron,  Company  D,  Reynolds,  Ind. 
November  16th — John  Browning,  Company  H,  Bridgeport,  Ala. 
November  21st — Thomas  Parker,   Company  E,  Libby  Prison, 
Richmond,  Virginia. 

December  27th — James  A.  Hutson,  Company  E,  Libby  Prison. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

WINTER  QUARTERS  AT  SCOTTSBORO. 

The  dawn  of  another  year  found  us  encamped 
at  this  place,  two  hundred  miles  east  of  our  posi- 
tion the  preceding  winter.  During  the  interval 
great  changes  had  taken  place  in  our  midst,  one 
hundred  and  twenty-five  of  our  number  having 
died  from  various  causes,  chiefly  of  disease.  These 
men  had  perished  in  the  service  of  a  noble  cause, 
and  in  every  State  through  which  we  had  passed 
they  were  buried.  The  recollections  of  the  past 
were  to  all  suggestive  of  the  uncertainty  of  the 
future. 

While  we  had  thus  suffered,  it  was  a  source  of 
untold  satisfaction  to  know  that  the  hour  of  our 
deepest  darkness  had  passed.  Our  cause  was 
again  in  the  ascendant,  and  ultimate  success  could 
no  longer  be  doubtful.  The  operations  of  our 
armies  had  been  successful  during  the  last  six 
months  of  the  year  then  closed,  excepting  the 
single  engagement  at  Chickamauga,  the  results 


WINTER  QUARTERS  AT  SCOTTSBORO.  163 

of  which  had  been  more  thau  counterbalanced  by 
our  subsequent  success  at  Chattanooga  and  Knox- 
ville.  East  Tennessee  was  forever  freed  from  the 
enemy's  control,  and  the  Mississippi  was  opened 
to  the  Gulf.  In  the  East  there  was  no  cause  for 
discouragement,  while  in  the  trans-Mississippi 
region  no  change  had  occurred. 

The  thanks  of  the  nation  were  due  to  the  noble 
armies  that  had  turned  the  tide  of  battle,  and 
rendered  the  year  1863  the  period  of  our  decisive 
achievements,  in  the  suppression  of  rebellion. 
The  year  had  not  only  been  crowded  with  great 
events,  but  it  had  set  forth  conspicuously  before 
the  nation  the  efficient  leaders  who  were  destined 
to  inspire  a  confidence  before  unknown.  The 
class  of  Generals  that  had  been  brought  forth  in 
the  first  stage  of  the  war  were  subsiding  into 
obscurity  or  subordinate  positions,  and  others — 
unknown  to  fame  till  their  deeds  presented  them 
to  the  people  as  conquerors — were  occupying  their 
places.  McClellan,  Fremont  and  Buell  had  been 
overshadowed  by  Grant,  Sherman  and  Thomas, 
whose  merits  were  duly  recognized,  and  rewarded 
by  promotion  to  the  highest  rank  in  the  army. 
To  provide  a  suitable  token  of  esteem  and  confi- 
dence for  the  former  of  these  great  men,  the  office 
of  Lieutenant  General  was  created  by  Congress, 
and  the  appointment  of  General  Grant  to  that 
rank,  by  the  President,  was  promptly  confirmed  by 


164  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

the  Senate,  thus  for  the  second  time  establishing 
for  the  hero  of  Vicksburg  and  Chattanooga  a 
special  command,  as  a  testimonial  of  gratitnde  for 
his  distinguished  services.  This  last  and  highest 
form  of  military  honor  placed  him  in  command 
of  all  the  armies  of  the  United  States,  subordinate 
only  to  the  President. 

To  fill  the  vacancy  created  in  the  list  of  Major 
Generals  in  the  Regular  Army,  by  the  promotion 
of  General  Grant,  General  Sherman  was  advanced 
to  that  rank,  and  appointed  to  succeed  Grant  in 
command  of  the  Military  Division  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, Major  General  McPherson  succeeding  to  the 
command  of  the  Department  and  Army  of  the 
Tennessee.  These  changes  were  made  during  the 
winter  succeeding  the  memorable  campaign  in 
Middle  and  East  Tennessee.  In  the  meantime 
the  busy  notes  of  preparation  were  heard  in  every 
Department,  in  anticipation  of  an  early  and 
vigorous  offensive  campaign. 

While  the  army  in  Tennessee  was  reposing  in 
winter  quarters,  active  operations  continued  in 
Mississippi.  General  Sherman  had  scarcely  re- 
turned from  the  relief  of  Knoxville  when  he 
received  instructions  to  proceed  to  Vicksburg,  and 
renew  the  offensive  from  that  point.  Johnston 
had  superseded  Bragg,  at  Dalton,  soon  after  the 
defeat  of  the  latter  at  Chattanooga,  leaving 
General  Polk  in  command  of  the  force  at 


WINTER  QUARTERS  AT  SCOTTSBORO.  165 

Meridian,  Miss.  The  winter  campaign  from 
Vicksburg  was  chiefly  designed  to  effect  the 
destruction  of  communications  and  supplies  in 
the  rear  of  Mobile.  The  force  engaged  in  the 
movement  consisted  of  portions  of  the  Sixteenth 
and  Seventeenth  Corps,  which  had  remained  inac- 
tive in  the  vicinity  of  Vicksburg  during  the  opera- 
tions in  Tennessee.  The  expedition  moved  in  the 
early  part  of  January,  and  swept  over  large  and 
fertile  districts  of  Eastern  Mississippi — destroying 
immense  quantities  of  supplies,  and  cutting  im- 
portant lines  of  communication — and  threatened 
Selma,  Ala.,  whence  Polk  had  retired  with  his 
command.  Great  alarm  prevailed  in  the  South, 
in  consequence  of  the  progress  of  Sherman, 
unopposed,  through  the  fertile  region  of  the  in- 
terior— the  most  productive  portion  of  the  Con- 
federacy— and  the  insufficiency  of  the  force  under 
Polk  to  check  his  march  necessitated  reinforce- 
ments, which  could  only  be  furnished  by  the 
withdrawal  of  a  portion  of  Johnston's  army  from 
Dalton. 

To  make  a  diversion  in  favor  of  the  Meridian 
expedition — for  the  purpose  of  preventing  such 
withdrawal  of  troops  from  Dalton  to  aid  Polk — a 
considerable  force,  composed  of  detachments  from 
the  several  Corps  resting  in  camp  in  Alabama  and 
Tennessee,  was  ordered  to  make  a  demonstration 
upon  Dalton  and  other  points,  which  proved 
successful. 


166  VICKSBURQ   TO   RALEIGH. 

A  feint  was  first  ordered  from  Huntsville,  Ala., 
in  the  direction  of  Lebanon,  which  led  the  enemy 
to  believe  that  a  large  force,  under  General  Logan, 
was  moving  into  the  interior  of  Alabama  for  the 
support  of  General  Sherman.  The  Regiment, 
with  three  others  of  the  Division,  participated  in 
this  movement,  the  detachment  being  under  com- 
mand of  Colonel  Williams.  This  force  crossed 
the  Tennessee,  at  Larkin's  Ferry,  and  moved  over 
Sand  Mountain  to  Lebanon,  a  distance  of  forty 
miles.  Having  diverted  the  attention  of  the 
enemy  at  Dalton  from  the  contemplated  reinforce- 
ment of  Polk,  by  drawing  a  considerable  force 
from  Johnston's  command  to  watch  and  oppose 
our  movements,  the  forces  returned  to  camp  on 
the  ,  6th  of  February,  after  an  absence  of  eight 
days,  having  marched  eighty  miles. 

This  reconnoissance  was  immediately  succeeded 
by  a  demonstration  against  Dalton,  from  Chatta- 
nooga, via  Cleveland ;  and  detachments  from  the 
several  Divisions  of  the  Fifteenth  Corps  were 
placed  under  command  of  Brigadier  General 
Matthias,  and  ordered  to  Chattanooga.  Again 
the  Regiment  was  designated  for  the  service, 
together  with  the  One  Hundred  and  Third 
Illinois,  Ninety-seventh  and  Ninety-ninth  Indiana; 
Colonel  Dickerman,  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Third  Illinois,  commanding  the  detachment.  The 
forces  thus  designated  marched  on  the  llth  of 


WINTER  QUARTERS  AT  SCOTTSBORO.  167 

February,  and  reached  Chattanooga  on  the  14th. 
Major  General  Palmer  assumed  command  of  the 
entire  force,  which  moved  by  different  routes,  at- 
tracting the  attention  of  the  enemy  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  indicate  a  movement  of  our  entire 
army  upon  his  position.  The  movement  was  pur- 
posely slow — to  accomplish  this  object  the  more 
certainly — and  not  only  the  enemy  but  our  own 
forces  were  deceived  by  the  indications  of  a  real 
purpose  to  engage  the  enemy  in  his  defenses. 
And  to  this  day  many  insist  that  this  was  the 
object  in  view,  the  incorrectness  of  which  must 
appear  when  we  take  into  consideration  the  small 
portion  of  our  army  employed  in  the  demonstra- 
tion, while  Johnston  retained  almost  his  entire 
army  within  his  defenses,  awaiting  attack.  The 
additional  disadvantage  to  ourselves — resulting 
from  success  in  driving  the  enemy  from  his  posi- 
tion-^ can  also  be  seen  in  enabling  Johnston  to 
send  a  portion  of  his  force  to  operate-  against 
Sherman,  after  evacuating  Dalton,  as  it  would 
have  been  impossible  to  pursue  him  at  that  season. 
Whatever  the  design  involved,  the  result  was 
satisfactory.  A  portion  of  Johnston's  force  was 
already  en  route  for  Selma,  to  reinforce  Polk,  when 
our  movement,  on  the  23d  of  February,  secured 
their  speedy  return  to  resist  the  supposed  advance 
of  our  whole  army.  Brisk  skirmishing  marked 
our  approach  to  Tunnel  Hill,  where  the  enemy 


168  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

held  a  strongly  fortified  position.  The  detachment 
of  the  Fifteenth  Corps  held  a  position  on  the  left 
of  our  line,  and  advanced  upon  the  outposts  of  the 
enemy  on  the  25th,  remaining  under  a  desultory 
fire  during  that  day,  from  which  a  few  were  killed 
and  wounded.  The  Regiment  suffered  no  loss, 
though  under  fire  a  portion  of  the  time.  The 
demonstration  had  revealed  the  fact  that  the 
enemy  was  in  force,  and  that  the  intended  rein- 
forcement for  Selma  had  returned,  on  learning 
.which  the  forces  were  withdrawn,  and  slowly  re- 
turned to  our  line  of  communication.  General 
Matthias  reached  Cleveland  with  his  command  on 
the  28th,  from  which  point  he  had  advanced  on 
the  23d.  Remaining  one  day,  to  muster  for  pay, 
the  troops  began  the  return  march  to  their  camps, 
in  Alabama,  on  the  1st  of  March,  which  Colonel 
Dickerman's  detachment  reached  on  the  5th,  after 
an  absence  of  twenty-four  days,  and  a  march  of 
two  hundred  and  twenty-five  miles.  Thus  the 
aggregate  of  service,  in  active  operations  in  the 
field,  since  leaving  Memphis,  October  llth,  1863, 
was  one  hundred  and  eight  days,  during  which  the 
troops  marched  more  than  a  thousand  miles. 

This  brief  record  of  events,  occurring  during 
the  month  of  February,  forms  an  important  part 
of  the  history  of  the  period  intervening  between 
the  fall  and  spring  campaigns  under  Sherman. 
The  months  of  January,  March,  and  April  were 


WINTER  QUARTERS  AT  SCOTT8BORO.  169 

spent  in  camp,  with  the  usual  monotony  of  life  in 
winter  quarters.  Hence  this  period  will  occupy 
but  little  space  in  the  present  Chapter.  A  few  in- 
cidents will  serve  to  show  the  mode  of  life,  and 
the  scenes  surrounding  us  during  this  period. 

Soon  after  reaching  Scottsboro,  in  December, 
the  three  years  troops,  enlisted  in  1P61,  were 
offered  the  privilege  of  re-enlistment,  with  a 
bounty  of  $400  and  thirty  days'  furlough.  The 
readiness  of  acceptance  of  these  terms,  by  the 
troops  whose  term  of  service  would  expire  during 
the  approaching  summer,  was  highly  gratifying 
and  satisfactory,  indicating  an  unshaken  confi- 
dence in  ultimate  success  on  the  part  of  the  troops 
thus  re-enlisting.  The  following  regiments  of  the 
Fourth  Division  accepted  the  proposed  terms,  and 
left  for  their  respective  States  during  the  month 
of  January,  viz. :  the  Sixth  Iowa,  Forty-sixth, 
Fifty-third,  and  Seventieth  Ohio,  Twenty-sixth, 
Fortieth,  and  Forty-eighth  Illinois,  and  Fifteenth 
Michigan,  leaving  the  following  non-veteran  regi- 
ments in  camp,  viz. :  the  Twelfth,  Ninety-seventh, 
Ninety-ninth  and  One  Hundredth  Indiana, 
Nintieth  and  One  Hundred  and  Third  Illinois. 
These  were  stationed  as  follows :  the  Nintieth 
Illinois,  at  Mud  Creek,  midway  between  Scotts- 
boro and  Stevenson  ;  the  One  Hundredth  Indiana, 
at  Bellefonte,  and  the  remaining  three  at  Scotts- 
boro. The  absence  of  Colonel  Loomis  with  his 

H 


170  YICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

regiment  devolved  the  command  of  the  Brigade 
on  Colonel  Williams,  which  he  assumed  on  the 
1st  of  January.  Captain  Nelson,  of  Company  K, 
having  previously  been  appointed  Assistant  In- 
•spector  General  for  the  Brigade,  discharged  the 
duties  of  A.  A.  General  during  the  absence  of 
Captain  Bloomfield,  and  Lieutenant  Hazzard,  of 
Company  I,  was  appointed  A.  A.  Q.  M.,  vice 
First  Lieutenant  Spring,  also  absent  with  his  regi- 
ment. Lieutenant  Colonel  Goodnow  commanded 
the  Regiment  during  this  period. 

Brigadier  General  William  Harrow  relieved 
General  Ewing,  in  command  of  the  Division,  on 
the  8th  of  February,  and  retained  his  connection 
with  the  organization  during  the  remaining  period 
of  its  history.  The  complete  list  of  Division  com- 
manders, during  the  year  closed,  embraced  Briga- 
dier Generals  Denver,  Smith  and  Ewing.  General 
Harrow  was  welcomed  to  his  new  command,  and 
proved  to  be  a  brave  officer. 

Our  camp  was  located  on  the  south  side  of  a 
rocky  ledge,  which  constituted  a  sharp  spur  of  the 
mountain  and  terminated  a  short  distance  toward 
the  west.  We  were  protected  from  the  inclemency 
of  the  weather  by  the  height  above  us,  whose 
sides  furnished  materials  for  our  chimneys  and 
fuel  for  warming  our  quarters,  as  well  as  timber 
for  the  construction  of  the  latter.  The  busy  scene 
that  was  presented  on  the  Sabbath  succeeding  our 


WINTER  QUARTERS  AT  SCOTTSBORO.  171 

arrival,  and  for  several  subsequent  days,  was  in- 
teresting to  behold  from  the  summit  of  the  moun- 
tain. Hundreds  of  axes  resounded  through  the 
camps  below,  and  the  sounds  fell  upon  the  ear  like 
the  hum  of  busy  industry  in  days  of  peace.  The 
weather  was  cold,  and  the  day  of  rest  was  employ- 
ed in  securing  protection  against  the  exposure  to 
which  the  troops  had  long  been  subjected.  As  if 
by  magic,  the  comfortable  cabins  rose,  where  all 
was  dense  underbrush  a  few  days  before.  A  fairy 
tale  cannot  equal  the  reality  spread  out  to  view  in 
the  valley,  where  thousands  of  tents  dotted  the 
fields  and  nestled  in  the  forests,  bearing  the  ap- 
pearance of  busy  villages  where  so  late  all  was 
hushed  in  silence  and  solitude.  This  was  the 
more  pleasant  aspect  of  war,  and  contrasted 
agreeably  with  the  scenes  through  which  we  had 
passed. 

Here,  for  three  months,  we  remained,  awaiting 
the  renewal  of  the  stern  conflict  for  the  suppres- 
sion of  rebellion  and  tyranny.  As  the  spring- 
time came  on  to  dispel  the  dreary  influence  of 
winter,  the  far-off  mountains  beyond  the  Tennes- 
see, which  had  presented  their  brown  or  snowy 
sides  to  our  view,  assumed  the  livery  of  beauty 
wrought  by  the  gentle  rain  and  the  genial  sun- 
shine, till  the  heart  beat  back  responsive  to  the 
voice  of  nature,  speaking  sweetly  of  peace.  Our 
camps,  too,  kept  pace  with  the  progress  of  nature, 


172  .    VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

by  artificial  adornment,  and  our  humble  abode 
became  the  most  attractive  object  in  the  scope  of 
our  vision.  Rows  of  cedars  from  the  mountain- 
top  were  arranged  in  front  of  the  several  lines  of 
tents,  with  bovvers  to  shelter  from  the  warmth  of 
noonday.  The  line  officers'  tents  were  made 
objects  of  special  interest,  by  the  verdant  arches 
erected  in  their  front,  with  the  several  lette1  s  of 
the  companies  suspended  from  the  centre  of  each 
arch,  while  in  front  of  the  Colonel's  tent  a  larger 
arch,  with  the  Masonic  emblem,  all  in  evergreen, 
formed  the  central  point  of  beauty. 

Various  amusements  were  resorted  to  for  whil- 
ing  away  the  hours,  as  day  by  day  rolled  by.  The 
most  exciting  and  amusing  of  these  was  a  sham 
battle,  and  yet  not  wholly  a  sham,  in  which  the 
assailants  gathered  up  the  cast-off  boots  and  shoes 
from  the  refuse  of  camp,  and  used  them  as  wea- 
pons of  violence,  while  the  party  assailed  made  a 
vigorous  defense  with  the  same  means.  These 
were  thrown  in  showers  by  the  combatants,  in 
charge  and  counter-charge.  An  old  garment, 
picked  up  from  the  rubbish  without  the  camp, 
served  as  a  flag,  and  a  camp-kettle  upon  a  stump 
was  made  to  represent  a  battery,  against  which 
one  party  would  rush  with  great  impetuosity, 
while  the  opponents  would  rally  in  support  of  the 
object  of  attack.  In  the  close  contest  that  was 
waged  for  the  mastery  blows  fell  thick  and  fast. 


WINTER  QUARTERS  AT  SCOTTSBORO.  173 

while  yells  of  triumph  rose  as  one  or  the  other 
party  gained  the  ground.  Some  were  severely 
injured  in  the  melee,  which  was  conducted 
throughout  in  the  best  possible  humor.  In  other 
pleasant  pastimes  officers  and  men  would  fre- 
quently mingle,  the  most  popular  of  which  was 
gymnastic  exerises,  in  which  the  full  vigor  of  the 
man  was  called  into  healthful  employment. 

But  other  sounds  than  those  of  merriment  arere 
heard  in  our  camps.  A  rude  chapel  was  con- 
structed by  the  Regiment,  for  public  and  social 
religious  services  during  the  inclement  season,  but 
it  was  destroyed  while  the  troops  were  absent  at 
Dalton.  On  the  return  of  spring  large  congrega- 
tions assembled  at  the  respective  camps  for  even- 
ing services.  These  meetings  continued  several 
weeks,  with  beneficial  results. 

As  in  all  our  camps,  death  was  a  frequent  visi- 
tor, and  bore  to  the  grave  some  of  our  noblest 
young  men,  in  the  prime  of  manhood.  But  the 
mortality  during  this  period  fell  far  short  of  that 
at  Grand  Junction  and  Fort  Loomis,  during  the 
corresponding  period  of  the  previous  year.  Four- 
teen died  in  camp,  whose  names  appear  in  the 
following  list : 

January  7th — Joseph  Fisher,  Company  D. 
January  12th — Wesley  Mitchell,  Company  F. 
January  24th — George  W.  Yager,  Company  I. 
January  28th — James  Barnard,  Company  Q. 


174  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIQH. 

March  12th — Lewis  Brown,  Company  II. 

March  17th — Sergeant  Oliyer  B.  Glascock,  Company  D. 

March  21st — George  E.  Worden,  Company  B. 

March  27th — Gustavus  McCrary,  Company  E. 

March  28th  —  Francis  M.  Reed,  Company  D. 

April  3rd — William  H.  Watson,  Company  F. 

April  13th — William  R.  Ranney,  Company  K. 

April  20th— Albert  D.  Scarlett,  Company  K. 

April  23rd — John  N.  Brooks,  Company  H. 

April  25th — Daniel  W.  MOD  til,  Company  I. 

The  following  died  during  the  same  period, 
while  absent  from  the  Regiment : 

January  25th — Abraham* D.  Bannon,  Company  G,  Alfont,  Ind. 
March  18th — James  F.  French,  Company  D,  Troy,  Ohio. 
April  3rd — William  H.  Ely,  Company  E,  Libby  Prison,  Rich- 
mond, Virginia. 

April  7th — Jacob  M.  Paulus,  Company  I,  Louisyille,  Kentucky. 

The  following  promotions  were  made  during  the 
eame  period  : 

1st  Lieutenant  William  H.  Harrison,  Co.  B,  to 
Captain,  vice  Aveline,  killed  in  action,  February 
1st,  1864. 

2nd  Lieutenant  Alfred  L.  Stoney,  Co.  B,  to  1st 
Lieutenant,  vice  Harrison,  promoted,  February 

Ijt,  1864. 

Sergeant  James  Strouse,  Co.  B,  to  2nd  Lieuten- 
a  \tj  vice  Stoney,  promoted,  March  12th,  1864. 

Sergeant  Major  Marshall  H.  Parks,  to  Adjutant, 
v  :e  Bond,  resigned,  March  llth,  1864. 


WINTER  QUARTERS  AT  SCOTTSBORO.  175 

Orderly  Sergeant  G.  B.  Hart,  Co.  H,  to  1st 
Lieutenant,  vice  Hart,  resigned,  March  12th,  1864. 

Sergeant  Dick  Jones,  Co.  H,  to  2nd  Lieutenant, 
vice  Hart,  promoted,  March  12th,  1864. 

1st  Lieutenant  B.  F.  Price,  Co.  D,  to  Captain, 
vice  Bowman,  resigned,  March  19th,  1864. 

1st  Lieutenant  E.  S.  Lenfesty,  Co.  C,  to  Captain, 
vice  Beesou,  died  of  wounds,  April  22nd,  1864. 

.2nd  Lieutenant  C.  F.  Mather,  Co.  C,  to  1st 
Lieutenant,  vice  Lenfesty,  promoted,  April  22nd, 
1864. 

2nd  Lieutenant  E.  H.  Webster,  Co.  F,  to  Cap- 
tain Co.  A,  vice  Conner,  resigned,  April  29th,  1864. 

2nd  Lieutenant  Robert  Alfont,  Co.  G,  to  1st 
Lieutenant,  vice  Helms,  resigned,  April  29th,  1864. 

Orderly  Sergeant  Ralph  Copper,  Co.  G,  to  2nd 
Lieutenant,  vice  Alfont,  promoted,  April  29th,  1864. 

Quartermaster  Sergeant  John  H.  Waters,  to  1st 
Lieutenant  Co.  A,  vice  Weatherinton,  resigned, 
April  30th,  1864. 

1st  Lieutenant  Robert  R.  Scott,  Co.  E,  was 
detailed  as  A.  R.  Q.  M.  during  this  period. 

On  the  4th  of  March  Colonel  Loomis  returned, 
with  his  regiment,  and  resumed  command  of  the 
Brigade,  when  Colonel  Williams  again  joined  the 
Regiment,  remaining  in  command  during  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  troops  at  Scottsboro.  The  veteran 
regiments  returned  with  ranks  filled  with  recruits, 
especially  those  reaching  their  respective  States  at 


176  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

an  early  period,  and  the  strength  of  the  Division 
was  increased  to  nearly  seven  thousand  men.  Gene- 
ral Logan  reviewed  the  troops,  on  the  23rd  of  April, 
and  all  indications  pointed  to  an  early  movement. 
General  Sherman  had  returned  from  Vicksburg,  in 
the  latter  part  of  March,  and  assumed  command 
of  the  Military  Division  of  the  Mississippi,  while 
General  Grant  had  gone  to  Washington,  to  direct 
the  movement  of  the  armies  on  the  Rapidan,  in  the 
approaching  campaign.  Everything  was  ready  for 
movement,  on  the  30th  day  of  April,  and  the  troops 
were  under  marching  orders  for  tke  next  day.  New 
scenes  of  danger  were  before  us,  compared  with 
which  our  previous  experience  now  seems  of  little 
moment 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


THE  ATLANTA  CAMPAIGN. 

On  the  1st  day  of  May  the  army  again  began 
concentration,  for  active  operations  against  the 
enemy  at  Dalton,  with  the  ultimate  object  of  secur- 
ing possession  of  Atlanta,  the  most  important 
inland  point  in  the  Confederacy.  The  forces  des- 
tined for  service  in  the  approaching  campaign 
included  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  under 
Major  General  Thomas;  the  Army  of  the  Ten- 
nessee, under  Major  General  McPherson;  and  a 
portion  of  the  Army  of  the  Ohio,  under  Major 
General  Schofield.  The  troops  composing  these 
organizations  were  distributed  along  the  railroads, 
from  Knoxville  to  Huntsville  and  thence  to  Nash- 
ville, and  in  Northern  Georgia,  except  the  Seven- 
teenth Corps,  which  was  en  route  from  Vicksburg. 
Two  Divisions  each  of  the  Sixteenth  ard  Seven- 
teenth Corps  were  retained  in  Western  Tennessee 
and  Mississippi ;  and  the  Third  Division,  Fifteenth 
Corps,  in  Northern  Alabama,  excepting  which,  the 


178  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

entire  Army  of  the  Tennessee  was  under  orders  to 
take  the  field.  One  Division  of  the  Army  of  the 
Cumberland  was  retained  in  Middle  Tennessee,  to 
hold  our  lines  of  communication,  and  two  Divi- 
sions of  the  Army  of  the  Ohio  were  stationed  at 
Knoxville  and  in  its  vicinity.  The  entire  force 
with  which  General  Sherman  entered  upon  the 
campaign — including  infanty,  cavalry,  and  artil- 
lery— numbered  nearly  ninety-eight  thousand  men. 
This  force  was  collecting  in  the  vicinity  of  Chatta- 
nooga during  the  first  days  of  May,  1864. 

In  the  meantime,  Grant  was  mustering  his  forces 
for  offensive  operations  against  Lee's  army  and 
Richmond.  The  time  had  now  come  for  the  har- 
monious co-operation  of  the  two  great  armies  of 
the  East  and  West,  in  the  work  of  crushing  treason 
and  restoring  the  authority  of  the  Union  in  the 
revolted  States.  Hitherto  there  had  been  a  radical 
defect  in  this  respect,  which  was  remedied  by  the 
assignment  of  Grant  and  Sherman  to  their  respec- 
tive commands.  Their  previous  services  together 
had  qualified  them  to  act  with  full  confidence  of 
success  in  well-matured  plans.  Such  plans  had 
been  arranged  for  the  great  campaigns  of  1864, 
and  each  entered  upon  the  prosecution  of  his  work 
with  great  vigor.  They  had,  as  subordinates,  the 
tried  men  of  previous  campaigns,  who  had  written 
their  fame  by  deeds  of  noble  worth,  in  the  accom- 
plishment of  victory  at  Gettysburg,  Yicksburg, 


THE   ATLANTA   CAMPAIGN.  179 

and  Chattanooga.  Meade,  McPherson,  and  Thomas 
had  all  evinced  their  ability,  and  secured  the  confi- 
dence of  the  nation,  as  well  as  that  of  their  supe- 
riors in  rank.  Added  to  these,  were  Corps  com- 
manders who  had  achieved  a  brilliant  reputation 
in  the  face  of  the  enemy.  And  more  than  all,  the 
armies,  led  by  these  brave  officers,  were  inspired 
with  fresh  confidence,  as  they  saw  the  harmonious 
combination  of  military  skill  and  energy,  in  those 
who  were  to  lead  them  to  certain  triumph. 

The  concentration  of  forces  at  Chattanooga  was 
effected  on  the  5th  of  May,  at  which  date  the 
Fifteenth  Corps  arrived  from  Alabama.  The 
Fourth  Division  moved  from  Scottsboro,  on  the  1st 
of  May.  The  resignation  of  Colonel  Loomis  oc- 
curred at  this  date,  and  on  the  morning  of  May  2d 
he  delivered  a  brief  parting  address  to  the  Brig- 
ade, as  the  troops  were  formed  in  line  for  resum- 
ing the  march.  For  more  than  three  years  he  had 
led  bis  regiment,  and  for  the  last  fourteen  months 
had  held  command  of  the  Brigade ;  and  the  part- 
ing scene  was  to  him — on  the  eve  of  great 
events — one  calculated  to  call  forth  peculiar 
thoughts  and  emotions,  'lie  was  a  brave  officer 
and  strict  disciplinarian.  He  cared  for  the  in- 
terests of  his  men,  and  earned  the  reputation  of 
being  the  equal  in  efficiency  of  any  Brigade  com- 
mander under  whom  the  Regiment  served  during 
its  continuance  in  the  field.  Colonel  Williams 


180  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

succeeded  him  in  command  of  the  Brigade,  and 
continued  to  fill  the  position  throughout  the 
memorable  campaign,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Goodnow  assumed  command  of  the  Regiment. 

Our  route  to  Chattanooga  was  by  the  mountain 
road  from  Bridgeport,  this  being  the  fourth  time 
the  Regiment  had  marched  over  the  same  ground. 
The  road  was  still  lined  with  the  carcasses  of 
mules  which  had  died  during,  the  winter,  in  cross- 
ing the  mountain.  The  record  of  suffering  then 
endured  by  these  worn-out  creatures  can  never  be 
written.  Over  their  crushed  remains  and  bleech- 
ing  bones,  which  almost  paved  the  road,  through 
the  mountain  pass  called  "  the  Narrows,"  we  now 
made  our  way.  The  account  of  the  scene  pre- 
sented at  this  place,  while  our  trains  were  return- 
ing from  Chattanooga,  in  December  previous,  as 
given  by  the  participants,  exceeds  all  we  ever 
heard  of  labor  under  difficulties.  With  the  ut- 
most effort  the  train  succeeded  in  moving  only 
half  a  mile  during  an  entire  day. 

We  camped  at  Whiteside  Station,  on  the  even- 
ing of  May  4th.  At  this  point  the  Nashville  and 
Chattanooga  Railroad  crosses  a  deep  gorge, 
through  which  flows  a  rapid  mountain  stream, 
called  Falling  Waters.  The  magnificent  bridge 
spanning  the  chasm,  more  than  a  hundred  feet  in 
depth,  had  been  destroyed  by  the  enemy,  on  the 
abandonment  of  the  line  of  the  Tennessee,  and  a 


THE  ATLANTA    CAMPAIGN.  181 

trestle-bridge  had  been  erected  by  the  military 
authorities.  The  passage  of  trains  over  the 
bridge  seemed  perilous,  and  we  trembled  for  the 
troops  borne  across  so  frail  a  structure  as  it  ap- 
peared to  be.  In  the  following  November,  while 
on  our  way  from  Atlanta  to  Indiana,  w;th  money 
for  the  Regiment,  an  incident  occurred  at  this 
place  that  will  never  be  forgotten.  On  nearing 
the  bridge,  one  of  the  axles  of  the  car  in  which  we 
rode  gave  way.  The  train  was  running  so  rapidly 
that  it  was  impossible  to  check  it  before  reaching 
the  chasm.  The  car  was  thrown  from  the  track, 
and  went  bounding  over  the  ties,  striking  the 
bridge,  and  detaching  the  hospital  car — filled  with 
sick  and  wounded  soldiers — from  the  rear.  The 
jostling  now  became  fearful,  and  the  terrible  truth 
that  we  were  rushing  into  the  jaws  of  destruction 
appalled  the  stoutest  heart.  The  ties  being  piled 
up  before  us,  we  were  drawn  over  them,  breaking 
the  trucks,  over  the  foremost  of  which  the  car  was 
balanced  for  the  fall  into  the  chasm  below,  when 
the  train  was  stopped,  and  we  were  saved. 

Arriving  at  Chattanooga,  on  the  5th  of  May,  all 
surplus  baggage  was  stored  at  that  place,  where  it 
remained  till  the  close  of  the  campaign.  Strict 
orders  were  issued,  limiting  the  officers  to  tent- 
flyes  and  the  men  to  shelter  tents,  also  limiting  the 
amount  of  officers'  baggage.  Everything  was  re- 
quired to  be  in  readiness  to  move  on  the  morning 


182  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

of  the  (Jth,  and  busy  scenes  of  preparation  were 
observable  in  all  the  camps.  Morning  found  us 
prepared  for  the  march,  and  at  half-past  ten 
o'clock  the  Regiment  was  on  its  unknown 
destination. 

The  disposition  of  the  forces  for  the  movement 
upon  Dalton  was  as  follows :  Thomas  occupied  the 
centre,  McPherson  the  right,  and  Schofield  the 
left.  Hooker,  with  the  Twentieth  Corps,  occupied 
the  right  centre.  This  Corps  had  been  formed  by 
the  consolidation  of  the  Eleventh  and  Twelfth 
Corps,  and  was  attached  to  the  Army  of  the 
Cumberland,  which  also  included  the  Fourth  and 
Fourteenth  Corps.  Schofield's  command  consist- 
ed only  of  two  Divisions  of  the  Twenty-third 
Corps.  McPherson's  included  the  Fifteenth 
Corps,  excepting  the  Third  Division,  which  was 
retained  for  a  time  at  Huutsville  and  on  the  line 
of  railroad  thence  to  Stevenson,  and  two  Divisions 
of  the  Sixteenth  Corps,  under  Major  General 
Dodge.  The  army  consisted  of  sixteen  Divisions, 
distributed  as  follows :  In  the  Fourth  Corps,  three; 
in  the  Fourteenth,  three ;  in  the  Fifteenth,  three ; 
in  the  Sixteenth,  two;  in  the  Twentieth,  three, 
and  in  the  Twenty-third,  two.  Added  to  this 
was  the  cavalry  force,  consisting  of  the  several 
commands  of  Kilpatrick,  Stoneman,  and  Garrard. 

While  Thomas  was  demonstrating  in  front  of 
Dalton,  and  Hooker  at  Rocky  Face  Ridge,  Scho- 
field was  threatening  the  enemy's  right  flank,  and 


THE  ATLANTA   CAMPAIGN.  183 

McPherson  was  moving  to  his  rear,  through  Snake 
Creek  Gap.  The  details  of  this  important  move- 
ment, by  which  Johnston  was  forced  to  evacute 
his  strong  position  at  Daltou,  are  full  of  interest, 
and  will  form  the  subject  of  the  remaining  portion 
of  the  present  Chapter. 

Our  first  day's  march  brought  us  to  Craw  Fish 
Spring,  near  the  Chickamauga  battle-field,  over 
which  our  route  lay.  A  beautiful  and  abundant 
fountain  of  gushing  water  issues  from  a  rocky  bed 
at  this  place,  and  the  night  passed  very  pleasantly. 
The  evening  was  occupied  in  social  worship  by  the 
religious  men  of  the  Regiment,  and  the  interest 
that  prevailed  will  not  soon  be  forgotten  by  those 
who  shared  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  occasion. 
The  spot  where  we  met  will  ever  be  sacred  in. 
memory  to  those  who  will  recall  one  who  subse- 
quently fell  in  battle,  and  fulfilled  in  death  the 
promise  recorded  on  that  night.  It  was  one  of 
the  waymarks  in  the  weary  life  of  the  Christian 
soldier,  to  which  we  shall  often  recur  with  peculiar 
pleasure. 

On  the  following  morning  we  resumed  the 
march,  crossing  the  Little  Chickamauga,  at  Glass' 
Mill.  The  First  and  Second  Divisions  having 
secured  the  road  in  advance,  we  were  compelled  to 
halt  till  near  night,  reaching  camp  at  midnight. 
On  the  8th  we  entered  the  beautiful  Cane  Creek 
Valley.  This  fertile  valley  is  bounded  on  the 


184  VICKSBURQ   TO   RALEIGH. 

south-east  by  Taylor's  Ridge,  which  stretches  away 
in  either  direction  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach,  giv- 
ing an  air  of  beauty  to  the  scene  that  charmed  the 
eye  in  the  early  spring-time.  No  Federal  forces 
had  before  passed  through  this  •  valley.  Previous 
to  the  battle  of  Chickamauga  the  enemy  occupied 
it,  and  the  supplies  of  the  previous  year  had  been 
chiefly  consumed  by  Bragg's  army.  At  Ship  s 
Gap,  a  depression  in  Taylor's  Ridge,  our  forces 
crossed  into  Armurchy  Valley,  and  camped  at 
Villanow,  a  small  town  in  Walker  County,  Geor- 
gia. As  in  all  the  small  towns  which  we  saw  in 
the  South,  everything  indicated  the  entire  suspen- 
sion of  business.  Desolation  seemed  written  upon 
everything,  presenting  a  striking  contrast  with  the 
busy  scenes  in  our  Northern  villages,  where  indus- 
try and  enterprise  have  been  stimulated  instead  of 
paralyzed  by  the  war.  Nothing  evinced  more 
clearly  the  destitute  condition  of  the  people  than 
the  total  absence  of  all  trade,  and  the  dependence 
of  rich  and  poor  alike  upon  the  productions  of  home 
industry. 

In  prospect  of  an  engagement  for  the  possession 
of  Snake  Creek  Gap,  the  First  Brigade  remained 
in  the  rear  to  guard  the  train,  while  the  troops 
moved  forward,  gained  the  entrance  to  the  Gap 
unopposed,,  and  moved  through  it.  On  emerging 
into  the  valley  beyond,  a  small  force  of  rebel  caval- 
ry was  encountered  by  our  advance,  and  a  brisk 


THE  ATLANTA  CAMPAIGN.  185 

skirmish  ensued.  The  enemy  retreated,  and  our 
forces  held  the  mouth  of  the  Gap,  at  the  head  of 
Sugar  Valley. 

The  First  Brigade  remained  at  the  opposite  end 
of  the  Gap  till  the  following  day.  A  Brigade  of 
the  Sixteenth  Corps  also  remained  to  guard  the 
trains  of  that  command.  During  the  night  of  the 
9th  the  A.  A.  General  of  that  Brigade,  while  intoxi- 
cated, became  alarmed  for  the  safety  of  the  trains, 
reported  Wheeler  approaching  with  a  superior 
force,  and  ordered  the  removal  of  the  trains  within 
the  Gap  and  the  troops  to  be  on  the  guard  against 
immediate  attack.  No  enemy  was  near.  But  the 
whole  camp  was  thrown  into  excitement  by  the 
fears  of  a  drunken  officer,  and  a  scene  that  beg- 
gars description  was  presented  in  the  removal  of 
the  trains  to  .a  place  of  safety.  At  last  quiet  was 
restored,  and  the  intoxicated  author  of  the  unnec- 
essary commotion  fell  into  a  state  of  insensibility. 

The  advance  of  the  Twentieth  Corps  reached 
this  point,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  10th,  and  our 
trains  were  moved  forward  through  the  Gap.  A 
heavy  rain  fell  during  the  night,  which  completely 
drenched  many  of  the  soldiers.  On  the  llth  and 
12th  our  forces  fortified  a  strong  position,  on  the 
high  ground  commanding  the  entrance  to  the  Gap 
from  the  east,  in  anticipation  of  an  effort  by  the 
enemy  to  force  us  back.  But  Johnston  had  been 
too  long  deceived  by  the  demonstrations  in  his 


VICKSBURQ   TO   RALEIGH. 

front.  The  possession  of  a  strong  position  in  his 
rear  having  been  secured  by  the  success  of  Mc- 
Pherson's  movement,  he  was  forced  to  evacuate 
Dalton,  which  he  effected  during  the  night  of  the 
12th,  moving  toward  Resaca.  Our  forces  were 
therefore  hurried  forward  through  Snake  Creek 
Gap,  ready  for  offensive  operations  should  the 
enemy  decline  an  attack  upon  us  in  our  works. 

The  first  object  of  the  campaign  was  speedily 
accomplished,  with  but  slight  loss.  Some  severe 
fighting  had  been  done  at  Buzzard  Boost,  by  the 
Twentieth  Corps,  aside  from  which  the  possession  of 
Dalton  was  almost  a  bloodless  triumph.  Disposi- 
tion of  the  army  was  at  once  ordered  for  moving 
upon  the  enemy  at  Resaca,  on  the  following  day. 

/While  waiting  the  development  of  the  situation 
we  ascended  the  mountain,  over-looking  the  valley 
of  the  Oustanaula,  when  a  scene  of  magnificence 
and  beauty  was  spread  out  before  the  eye.  The 
distant  town  of  Resaca,  with  its  defenses,  the  silvery 
course  of  the  river,  and  the  mingling  of  field  and 
forest,  with  the  smoke  rising  from  the  enemy's 
camps,  presented  one  of  the  finest  landscape  views 
we  ever  beheld,  and  such  as  Are  to  be  found  in 
mountainous  regions  alone.  The  student  of  nature 
never  tires  of  gazing  upon  scenes  like  those  that 
greeted  the  eye  from  that  mountain  summit.  It 
se'emed  almost  impossible  that  amid  such  visions 
of  peace  and  loveliness  the  voice  of  war  could  be 


THE  ATLANTA  CAMPAIGN.          187 

heard,  and  that  the  lovely  valley  before  us  would 
soon  be  the  burial  place  of  some  who  now  looked 
down  upon  its  smiling  face.  A  deep  sadness  was 
mingled  with  the  pleasure  derived  from  that  land- 
scape view,  as  we  meditated  upon  the  probable 
events  of  the  morrow  and  succeeding  days. 

That  charming  scene,  with  the  sad  events  that 
soon  succeeded,  finds  a  correspondence  in  the  life 
of  man.  The  view  of  his  features,  lighted  up  with 
hope,  and  blooming  in  happiness  and  contentment, 
while  peace  and  prosperity  attend  his  steps,  is  like 
the  vision  from  the  mountain-top.  But  the  look 
of  sadness  that  succeeds,  and  the  voice  of  mourn- 
ing which  marks  the  hour  of  affliction,  of  trial,  and 
of  stern  conflict  with  difficulties  too  great  for  hu- 
man endurance,  remind  us  of  the  scenes  of  strife 
on  the  bosom  of  that  lovely  valley.  As  the  sun 
shines  above  the  quiet  vale  or  the  smoke  of  battle, 
so  is  it  in  humau  life.  The  same  Source  of  light 
is  above  and  around  us,  to  dispense  those  cheering 
influences  upon  our  hearts  amid  the  trials  of  life 
that  He  confers  upon  us  in  days  of  prosperity  and 
happiness. 

That  beautiful  valley,  reposing  in  the  quiet  of 
the  evening  hour,  is  also  suggestive  of  the  days  of 
peace,  so  long  enjoyed  by  this  land  of  freedom. 
In  the  same  vision,  darkened  by  the  smoke  of  the 
conflict,  and  trembling  under  the  roar  of  artillery, 
is  seen  the  emblem  of  our  great  struggle  for  the 


188  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

right.  It  is  through  the  agency  of  the  thunder- 
storm, with  its  fearful  glare  of  lightning,  that  the 
atmosphere  is  purified  and  nature  rendered  more 
beautiful.  And  so,  too,  by  the  smoke,  and  roar, 
and  flash  of  battle,  has  our  nation  been  purified 
from  its  poisonous  elements  that  were  impairing 
the  free  circulation  of  the  air  of  freedom.  Even 
the  view  of  that  valley  from  the  mountain  summit 
was  marred  by  the  hand  of  oppression,  that  had 
itself  engendered  strife  and  bloodshed.  Were  we 
to  look  again  upon  that  scene  to-day,  both  the 
cloud  of  battle  and  the  cloud  of  slavery  would  be 
rolled  far  away,  and  in  the  vision  we  should  but 
behold  where  freedom  triumphed  and  where  the 
sons  of  freedom  fell.  But  in  their  fall  they — 
Sampson-like — pulled  down  the  mighty  temple  of 
despotism,  by  leaning  against  its  pillars,  and  in  its 
fall  involved  thousands  of  their  enemies. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

BATTLE  OF  RESACA. 

On  the  morning  of  May  13th  the  troops  advanc- 
ed from  their  fortified  position  upon  the  enemy, 
who  was  entrenched  on  a  low  range  of  hills  north 
of  Resaca,  and  about  six  miles  distant.  The 
cavalry  met  the  enemy,  and  in  the  skirmish  that 
ensued  General  Kilpatrick  was  severely  wounded, 
and  conveyed  to  the  rear.  Our  forces  formed  in 
line  of  battle,  on  the  Rome  road,  running  north 
and  south,  about  two  miles  west  of  Resaca,  the 
Sixteenth  Corps  on  the  right,  and  the  First, 
Second  and  Fourth  Divisions  of  the  Fifteenth 
Corps  on  the  left,  in  the  order  named.  The  First 
Brigade  formed  the  extreme  left  of  the  right 
wing,  the  Regiment  on  the  right  of  the  Brigade. 

At  two  o'clock  P.  M.  the  order  was  given  to 
move  forward,  and  the  line  advanced  jn  beautiful 
order,  up  a  gentle  ascent,  from  the  summit  of 
which  the  outposts  of  the  enemy  were  visible. 
Companies  B  and  C  were  detailed  as  skirmishers. 


VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

and  ordered  forward.  The  enemy  opened  upon 
our  lines  with  artillery,  and  a  few  shots  took  effect 
among  the  troops.  But  the  skirmish  line  was 
pushed  across  the  intervening  fields  and  up  the 
hill-side  occupied  by  the  enemy,  and  he  hurried 
away  with  his  artillery,  abandoning  the  outer  line 
of  defenses,  and  retiring  to  the  hill  beyond. 

Our  lines  were  again  advanced,  presenting  an 
imposing  scene  as  they  moved  down  the  hill,  and, 
emerging  from  the  woods,  stretched  across  the 
waving  fields  of  grain  in  beautiful  order,  and  dis- 
appeared in  the  belt  of  timber  that  hid  the  enemy 
from  view.  "With  a  brief  halt  at  the  farther  edge 
of  the  woods,  the  order  for  advance  was  again 
given.  The  line  advanced,  at  once  drawing  a 
murderous  fire  from  the  enemy,  posted  on  the  hill- 
side,, beyond  a  low  field,  through  which  ran  a  deep 
creek.  A  portion  of  the  line  halted  in  the  dense 
under-growth  that  skirted  the  field,  but  the  Regi- 
ment advanced  into  the  open  ground,  where  the 
troops  suffered  severely,  and  were  finally  forced  to 
retire  under  cover,  whence  a  well  directed  fire 
could  be  returned  upon  the  enemy.  The  first  line 
held  this  position  till  night,  when  it  was  relieved 
by  the  Second  Brigade. 

The  Regiment  sustained  a  greater  loss  than  any 
other  that  was  engaged,  losing  forty  men  in  killed 
and  wounded.  Major  Baldwin  and  Adjutant 


BATTLE    OF    RESACA  191 

Parks  had  their  horses  shot  under  them,  on  enter- 
ing the  field.  The  troops  exhibited  great  coolness 
under  the  most  galling  fire.  The  wounded  were 
continually  coming  to  the  rear,  and  others  were 
falling,  mortally  wounded  or  dead,  in  "the  open 
field.  Leonard  Flanigan,  of  Company  H,  had  re- 
ceived a  slight  wound  in  his  hand,  and  while 
wrapping  his  handkerchief  round  the  injured  part 
was  struck  a  second  time,  and  instantly  killed. 
Our  shoemaker,  who  had  recently  returned  to 
duty  with  his  Company,  was  wounded  in  both 
arms  before  he  had  fired  a  sh(5t.  In  removing  the 
dead  at  night  we  were  fired  upon  by  our  own 
pickets.  The  early  part  of  the  night  was  occupied 
in  the  burial  of  the  dead.  Under  cover  of  the 
darkness  they  were  brought  from  the  field,  and 
laid  side  by  side  in  the  woods,  till  preparations 
could  be  made  for  interment. 

The  most  remarkable  event  of  the  day  was  the 
death  of  Captain  Peoples,  of  Company  E,  who 
had  long  had  a  presentiment  that  he  would  be 
killed  in  the  first  battle  in  which  he  should 
be  engaged.  This  idea  had  obtained  possession 
of  his  mind,  during  the  presence  of  the  Regiment 
in  front  of  Dalton,  in  February  previous,  and  had 
continued  to  control  his  thoughts.  As  lie  was 
leading  his  Company  through  the  belt  of  timber, 
just  before  encountering  the  terrible  fire  of  the 
enemy,  he  said  to  Sergeant  B.  F.  Perce,  "  I  shall 


192  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

be  killed  in  this  battle,  but  I  am  ready."  The 
line  moved  forward  into  the  open  field,  and  the 
Captain  and  Sergeant  lay  down  near  each  other,  to 
protect  themselves  from  the  fire ;  and  while  in  the 
act  of  raising  his  head  a  ball  struck  him  in  the 
centre  of  the  forehead,  passing  entirely  through 
the  head.  The  Sergeant  and  others  of  the  Com- 
pany brought  the  body  from  the  field  after  dark- 
ness had  set  in,  and  washed  it  for  burial.  The 
grave  was  in  readiness  at  the  still  hour  of  mid- 
night, and  we  committed  the  precious  dust  to  rest, 
with  a  few  broken  utterances  of  grief  and  a  prayer 
for  the  afflicted  wife  in  her  far-off  home.  The 
stars  kept  vigil  during  this  solemn  burial,  which 
forcibly  reminded  us  of  that  of  Sir  John  Moore. 

The  following  is  a  full  list  of  casualties  in  the 
Regiment : 

Company  A — Wounded :  George  W.  Robinson, 
died  May  16th. 

Company  B — Wounded:  Marion  Edwards. 

Company  C — "Wounded:  Joseph  Grey. 

Company  D — Killed  :  John  Shigley.  "Wound- 
ed: Captain  Benjamin  F.  Price,  Sergeant  John 
II.  Shultz,  William  H.  Parcells,  James  W.  Sines, 
William  H.  Sleeth. 

Company  E — Killed:  Captain  Thomas  N.  Peo- 
ples. Wounded:  Thomas  F.  Carter,  died  May 
31st ;  James  Donovan,  Robert  A.  Richardson. 

Company  F — Wounded:  Peter  Strow,  died 
June  25th. 


BATTLE    OF    RESACA.  193 

Company  G — Wounded:  Alfred  Dobbins,  An- 
drew Forgey,  died  May  16th ;  Hugh  Forgey,  died 
June  9th;  Peter  Shaffer,  Hiram  P.  Shaffer,  Aaron 
Wright,  died  May  14th. 

Company  H — Killed :  William  H.  Crane,  Leon- 
ard Flanigan,  John  Stader.  Wounded :  liobert 
Gaff,  Daniel  A.  Green. 

Company  I — Killed :  Henry  Callahan.  Wound- 
ed :  Sergeant  William  H.  Sparrow,  George  W. 
Long,  William  II.  Robinson. 

Company  K — Killed:  John  J.  Comparet,  John 
Rogers.  Wounded :  Sergeant  Nicholas  Miller, 
Joseph  R.  Chase,  William  Connell,  Martin  Fred- 
erickson,  James  Hays,  Conrad  Hoffmeyer,  Levi 
Spitler,  died  June  9th;  Edward  Taylor,  Quicy  O. 
Whitham. 

While  these  events  were  transpiring  on  the 
right,  our  forces  were  getting  in  position  upon  the 
left,  in  readiness  for  action  the  following  day. 
The  enemy  concentrated  on  Johnson's  Division 
of  the  Fourteenth  Corps,  and  pressed  it  back  some 
distance,  but  reinforcements  from  the  Twentieth 
Corps  arrived  in  time  to  check  the  foe,  and  regain 
the  lost  ground,  after  a  severe  engagement,  in 
which  both  sides  lost  heavily.  On  the  evening  of 
the  14th  Morgan  L.  Smith's  Division  charged  the 
strong  position  of  the  enemy  in  their  front,  and 
drove  him  from  his  works.  The  rebels  endeavor- 
ed to  regain  the  ground,  but  failed,  suffering 


194  VICKSBURG   TO  RALEIGH. 

severely  in  the  attempt.  The  Brigade  was  order- 
ed up  as  a  support,  but  our  aid  was  not  required. 
On  the  15th  no  advance  was  made  by  our  lines  on 
the  right,  and  no  fighting,  except  that  of  the 
skirmish  lines,  occurred.  The  Regiment  was  not 
again  placed  on  the  front  line,  remaining  in  re- 
serve during  the  last  two  days  we  were  in  the  face 
of  the  enemy.  On  our  left,  Hooker  renewed  the 
battle  early  in  the  morning,  driving  the  enemy 
back,  occupying  his  position  and  capturing  several 
pieces  of  artillery.  In  the  meantime  the  Six- 
teenth Corps  was  ordered  across  the  Oustanaula  to 
threaten  the  enemy's  line  of  communication,  while 
Schofield  was  moving  around  the  left  flank  to  the 
rear  of  Johnston's  position.  Hopes  were  enter- 
tained of  capturing  a  considerable  portion  of  his 
right  wing,  when,  on  the  night  of  May  loth, 
he  withdrew  his  army  across  the  river,  under  a 
feint  by  his  centre.  About  midnight  he  moved 
his  lines  forward,  as  if  intending  an  assault  of  our 
works,  on  the  left  of  the  Fourteenth  Corps,  when 
a  fearful  cannonading  commenced,  which  shook 
the  earth  and  indicated  the  progress  of  a  terrible 
battle.  This  was  accompanied  by  the  continuous 
roll  of  musketry,  denoting  the  engagement  of  the 
infantry  in  our  works  with  the  advancing  lines  of 
the  enemy.  For  more  than  an  hour  the  roar  and 
rattle  continued,  accompanied  by  the  yelling  and 
cheering  of  the  troops.  Of  all  the  terrible  scenes 


BATTLE   OF   RESACA.  195 

presented  upon  the  vast  theatre  of  war,  nothing  is 
more  awfully  impressive  than  a  battle  at  midnight. 
A  feeling  of  inexpressible  awe  was  produced  by 
the  events  of  that  last  night  at  Resaca. 

Morning  came,  revealing  the  fact  that  Johnston 
had  made  good  use  of  the  night  in  removing  his 
army  across  the  Oustanaula,  and  immediate  pur- 
suit was  ordered.  General  Dodge  had  not  effected 
the  design  for  which  he  was  ordered  across  the 
river,  having  met  resistance  in  his  effort  to  reach 
the  railroad,  which  he  was  unable  to  overcome. 
Johnston,  therefore,  was  enabled  to  retreat  in  good 
order,  with  all  his  munitions  of  war.  The  last 
train  from  Resaca  was  on  the  point  of  leaving  the 
depot,  when  a  portion  of  the  Twenty-sixth  Illinois, 
deployed  as  skirmishers,  entered  the  town,  and 
nearly  succeeded  in  effecting  its  capture.  The 
train  moved  across  the  river,  and  the  bridge  was 
immediately  fired  and  destroyed.  Resaca  was 
ours,  and  fairly  won,  but  the  enemy  had  escaped. 

The  army  was  at  once  put  in  motion,  the  right 
wing  crossing  the  river  at  the  ferry  below  Resaca, 
and  camping,  on  the  night  of  the  16th,  on  the 
Rome  road  west  of  Calhouu,  while  the  centre  fol- 
lowed the  Hue  of  Johnston's  retreat.  Bate's  Divi- 
sion of  rebel  cavalry  formed  the  right  flank  of  the 
retreating  army,  in  advance  of  our  right  wing. 
During  the  17th  the  rear  of  this  force  was  con- 
stantly kept  in  view  of  our  advance,  and  some 


196  YICKSBURO  TO   RALEIGH. 

skirmishing  occurred  during  the  day,  causing  oc- 
casional halts.  A  brisk  engagement  between 
Wood's  Division  of  the  Fourth  Corps  and  the 
rear  guard  of  the  enemy  took  place  late  in  the 
afternoon  of  the  17th. 

On  the  18th  the  right  wing  reached  Adairsville, 
forming  a  junction  with  the  Fourth  Corps,  under 
command  of  Major  General  Howard,  whose  ad- 
vance skirmished  with  the  enemy  at  this  place  in 
the  morning.  At  Adairsville  we  again  diverged 
from  the  main  line  of  retreat  pursued  by  Johnston, 
and  moved  through  a  wild  and  rugged  region  for 
a  distance  of  five  miles,  emerging,  through  a  nar- 
row gap,  into  a  cultivated  dale  of  great  beauty. 
A  large  plantation,  bearing  the  name  of  "  Wood- 
land," and  owned  by  a  wealthy  Englishman,  who 
claimed  British  citizenship,  lay  embowered  in  the 
midst  of  a  vast  region  of  country  similar  to  that 
through  which  we  had  passed.  Barnsley's  resi- 
dence was  an  elegant  mansion,  though  not  entirely 
finished,  and  the  grounds  surpassed  in  magnifi- 
cence all  we  had  ever  seen.  Flowers  in  infinite 
variety,  cooling  shades,  and  refreshing  fountains 
adorned  this  lovely  spot,  in  striking  contrast  with 
the  barrenness  that  surrounded  it.  Here  a  skir- 
mish had  occurred  during  the  day,  in  which 
Colonel  Earle,  of  the  Second  Georgia  Cavalry, 
was  killed.  "We  camped  on  the  plantation,  and 
•made  free  use  of  the  fences  for  fuel :  and  whatever 


BATTLE    OF   RESACA.  197 

else  was  found  convenient  was  summarily  disposed 
of.  From  accounts  found  in  the  mansion  it  seem- 
ed that  this  man  had  amassed  his  fortune  by  long 
continued  pursuit  of  trade  in  cotton  at  Savannah, 
whence  he  had  retired  to  this  secluded  vale  to 
enjoy  the  benefits  of  his  vast  wealth.  At  that  dis- 
tance in  the  interior,  he  had  adorned  his  grounds 
with  the  beauties  of  nature  and  art,  and  to  give  a 
foreign  air  to  the  place,  he  had  collected  a  hetero- 
geneous mass  of  ragged  rocks  from  the  sea-shore 
of  distant  lands,  and  placed  them  in  his  grounds 
to  set  off  the  cultured  beauty  of  this  country  resi- 
dence of  an  aristocratic  Englishman.  Again  we 
almost  forgot  the  sad  scenes  of  war,  in  the  midst 
of  this  blooming  paradise. 

In  the  skirmish  that  had  occurred  here,  Wilder's 
Brigade  of  cavalry,  consisting  of  the  Fourth 
Michigan,  Seventeenth  and  Seventy-second  In- 
diana, and  Ninety-eighth  Illinois,  was  compelled 
to  retire  before  a  superior  force  of  the  enemy, 
nearly  two  hundred  of  the  Fourth  Michigan  being 
captured.  The  rebel  Colonel  Earle  was  killed  at 
the  first  fire,  on  leading  his  regiment  forward. 

On  the  19th  we  resumed  the  march  and  reached 
Kingston,  where  we  remained  till  the  28th.  A 
skirmish  also  took  place  here  on  that  morning,  re- 
sulting in  a  loss  to  the  enemy  of  eighty  men, 
killed  and  wounded,  ours  being  very  slight. 
Kingston  is  fifty-nine  miles  from  Atlanta,  twenty 


198  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH.      .    ' 

from  Rome,  and  seventy-nine  from  Chattanooga, 
by  railroad.  In  reaching  this  place,  from  the  latter 
point,  we  had  marched  about  eighty-five  miles. 
The  enemy  had  been  forced  back  fifty  miles  in  less 
than  two  weeks,  and  was  still  retreating  toward 
Atlanta.  Our  success  was  encouraging,  and 
vigorous  efforts  were  in  progress  for  the  further 
prosecution  of  the  campaign.  The  occupation  of 
Rome,  by  Davis'  Division  of  the  Fourteenth 
Corps,  was  coincident  with  our  arrival  at  King- 
ston. The  enemy  retired  beyond  the  Etowah, 
burning  the  bridges,  except  one  at  Kingston,  over 
which  the  right  wing  crossed.  Thomas  advanced 
the  centre  to  the  river,  at  the  railroad  crossing, 
and  the  left  occupied  a  position  above.  The  army 
paused  to  await  the  arrival  of  supplies,  the  railroad 
being  already  repaired  from  Resaca. 

On  the  23d  the  pursuit  was  resumed,  the  right 
wing  crossing  the  fertile  valley,  of  the  Etowah, 
trampling  under  foot  the  rich  harvests  designed  t3 
feed  the  rebel  army,  and  entered  a  broad  belt  of 
pine  forest,  from  which  we  emerged  late  in  the 
afternoon,  and  camped  on  the  Eulaula  Creek. 
The  following  day  we  moved  through  Van  Wert, 
the  former  capital  of  Polk  County,  and  camped 
among  the  pines,  on  a  flinty,  barren  soil,  and 
reached  Pumpkin  Vine  Creek,  on  the  25th.  The 
enemy  was  again  in  position,  at  Dallas,  to  resist 
our  progress,  and  disposition  of  our  forces  was 


BATTLE   OF   RESACA.  199 

made  for  offensive  operations.  On  the  morning 
of  the  25th  the  troops  moved  forward,  leaving  our 
Brigade  to  guard  the  train  of  the  Division,  with 
which  we  followed  in  the  evening,  occupying  the 
entire  night  in  reaching  Dallas,  where  we  arrived 
at  eight  o'clock  A.  M.,  May  27th. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

BATTLE  OF  DALLAS. 

The  enemy  held  a  strongly  fortified  position  at 
this  place,  awaiting  attack.  The  general  disposi- 
tion of  our  forces  was  the  same  as  at  liesaea,  ex- 
cept that  the  Fifteenth  Corps  held  the  right,  the 
Sixteenth  Corps  being  on  our  left.  The  Fourth 
Division  occupied  the  extreme  right,  connecting 
with  the  Second  Division  on  the  left.  Heavy 
skirmishing  was  in  progress  on  the  right,  on  our 
arrival,  and  the  wounded  were  coming  into  hos- 
pital rapidly.  During  the  evening  the  Brigade 
went  into  position,  on  the  right  of  the  line,  and 
threw  up  defenses  at  the  edge  of  a  large  field,  for 
the  protection  of  the  right  flank.  Morning  found 
us  well  fortified  to  resist  attack. 

During  the  28th  the  enemy  assumed  the  offen- 
sive, opening  with  a  fearful  cannonading,  succeed- 
ed by  a  fierce  charge.  The  shrieking  of  the  shells 
above  our  heads  caused  a  panic  among  the  non- 
combatants  and  negroes,  who  fled  in  consternation 


BATTLE   OF   DALLAS.  201 

to  the  rear.  Fortunately  the  enemy  got  too  long 
range  for  efficiency,  and  the  shells  passed  us  be- 
fore bursting.  The  reserve  skirmish  post  in  front 
of  the  Regiment  was  made  a  special  object,  and 
the  missiles  burst  on  all  sides,  covering  the  skir- 
mishers with  dust,  but  injuring  none.  All  watch- 
ed the  point  with  intense  interest,  anxious  for  the 
safety  of  their  comrades,  thus  exposed  to  the  direct 
aim  of  the  enemy. 

Soon  the  storm  of  iron  hail  was  succeeded  by 
that  most  exciting  feature  of  a  charge,  the 
fierce  and  prolonged  yell  of  the  assailants.  With 
that  peculiar  sound  that  marked  the  battle-cry  of 
the  rebels,  the  shout  rolled  along  the  lines,  and 
roused  to  the  highest  pitch  of  excitement  the 
troops  in  the  trenches.  It  was  in  vain  that  they 
were  ordered  to  keep  down,  and  not  expose  them- 
selves to  the  fire  of  the  enemy.  The  hand  of  each 
man  grasped  his  gun,  as  his  eye  almost  leaped 
from  its  socket  for  the  first  glimpse  of  the  advanc- 
ing foe,  in  the  edge  of  the  forest  that  skirted  the 
field.  The  face  of  a  brave  man,  at  such  a  moment, 
presents  a  scene  for  the  painter's  eye,  which  can 
nowhere  else  be  found.  There  is  a  secret  delight 
mingled  with  the  varied  and  contending  thoughts 
and  emotions  of  that  moment  of  suspense.  Never 
before  had  we  so  fully  realized  the  inspiring  in- 
fluence of  the  hour  of  coming  conflict;  and  no 
language  is  adequate  to  express  the  thoughts  of 
which  it  was  suggestive. 


202  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

The  moment  of  suspense  was  in  striking  con- 
trast with  the  preceding  scenes,  and  with  those 
that  succeeded.  The  complete  picture  of  a  charge 
involves  the  thrilling  terror  produced  hy  a  fearful 
torrent  of  bursting  shells,  the  intense  awe  resulting 
from  the  sound  of  the  human  voice,  rising  in  the 
peculiar  scale  of  the  battle-yell  and  mingling  with 
the  roar  of  artillery,  the  moment  of  solemn 
silence  that  intervenes,  and  the  mingled  roar,  and 
whiz,  and  rattle,  and  clash,  and  yell  of  the  ensu- 
ing conflict.  All  .these  combine  to  form  a  scene 
nowhere  else  witnessed  by  mortal  vision,  and  one 
who  has  gazed  upon  it  in  all  its  dreadful  reality 
cannot  forget  the  impressions  produced  upon  the 
mind. 

The  fierceness  of  the  storm  fell  upon  the  left  of 
the  Fourth  Division,  extending  thence  •  along  the 
line  toward  the  left.  It  broke  in  all  its  fury  upon 
the  Second  Brigade,  occupying  the  angle  in  our 
line  of  works,  against  which  the  enemy  rushed 
with  daring  impetuosity.  The  First  Iowa  Battery, 
which  had  been  put  in  position  on  the  skirmish 
line,  with  inadequate  support,  fell  into  the  hands 
of  the  enemy,  but  was  retaken  after  a  fierce  con- 
test. Finally  the  struggle  for  the  possession  of 
the  works  was  abandoned,  under  the  terrific  fire 
poured  into  the  assailants  from  the  trenches.  On 
our  immediate  front  the  rebels  had  not  even  time 
to  form  their  lines,  after  the  first  volley  was  pour- 
ed into  their  ranks  by  the  First  Brigade.  ~No 


BATTLE    OF   DALLAS.  203 

troops  could  withstand  such  a  fire;  and,  after  re- 
peated efforts  to  rally  for  an  advance  upon  the 
works,  they  retreated  in  hot  haste.  The  rebel  loss 
in  front  of  the  Corps  was  estimated  at  two  thou- 
sand five  hundred,  while  ours  did  not  exceed 
one-fifth  of  that  number. 

The  left  of  the  First  Brigade  suffered  almost 
equally  with  the  Second  Brigade,  in  consequence 
of  the  ground  in  their  front  being  densely 
wooded. 

But  three  members  of  the  Regiment  were 
wounded  in  the  charge.  These  were:  Orderly 
Sergeant  Lewis  Murray,  Company  D ;  Sergeant 
James  0.  Rea,  Company  F,  and  John  Shields, 
Company  C. 

The  operations  on  our  left  had  been  attended 
with  considerable  loss.  In  the  advance  upon  the 
enemy's  position,  on  the  25th,  Hooker  had  a  severe 
engagement  at  New  Hope  Church,  losing  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  men,  and  gaining  no"  de- 
cisive advantage.  After  holding  his  position  for 
several  days,  and  slowly  driving  the  enemy  before 
him,  by  advancing  his  fortified  lines  during  the 
night,  it  was  decided  to  develop  the  left  flank,  to 
accomplish  which  the  Fifteenth  and  Sixteenth 
Corps  were  ordered  to  be  withdrawn  and  moved, 
to  the  centre,  to  relieve  Hooker.  .At  ten  P.  M., 
May  29th,  the  right  of  our  line  was  withdrawn, 
commencing  with  the  First  Brigade,  which  had 


204  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

left  the  works,  and  was  moving  toward  the  left, 
followed  by  the  Second  Brigade.  Scarcely  had 
our  Brigade  moved  its  length,  by  the  right  flank, 
when  the  enemy,  having  penetrated  our  design  or 
suspected  some  movement  of  our  forces,  opened 
in  front  of  the  First  Division,  with  his  artillery, 
immediately  succeeded  by  the  shrill  yell  indicative 
of  the  coming  charge.  The  necessity  for  prompt 
and  vigorous  action  was  apparent,  and  at  once  the 
order  was  given  to  about  face  and  move  at  double 
quick  to  the  works  just  abandoned.  The  sudden 
attack  that  hastened  our  return  was  speedily  repuls- 
ed, and  the  enemy  retired  to  his  works.  But  the 
firing  upon  the  skirmish  line  and  the  roar  of  artil- 
lery continued  throughout  the  night,  rendering  it 
one  of  those  scenes  of  awful  sublimity  forever 
memorable.  The  flash  of  the  cannon  glared  upon 
our  vision,  and  the  sound  reverbrated  in  our  ears 
during  all  that  long  night.  The  enemy  suffered  a 
severe  loss  in  the  assault,  while  ours  was  very 
small. 

Our  plans  were  not  frustrated,  but  delayed.  In 
the  interval  of  two  days  between  this  and  a  second 
attempt,  on  the  morning  of  June  1st,  skirmishing 
continued  almost  constantly.  The  wounded  were 
removed  to  the  new  position  assigned  for  our 
forces,  and  oa  the  completion  of  arrangements 
our  lines  were  withdrawn,  leaving  a  strong  skir- 
mish line  to  cover  the  movement,  which  proved 


BATTLE   OF  DALLAS.  205 

successful.  Hooker  also  withdrew  from  his  posi- 
tion, being  relieved  by  the  right  wing,  and  moved 
toward  the  left. 

The  Regiment  was  placed  on  the  front  line,  at 
New  Hope  Church,  the  works  being  in  close 
proximity  to  those  v  of  the  enemy.  On  the  next 
day  Morris  0.  Witham,  of  Company  C,  was 
mortally  wounded,  while  returning  from  the  skir- 
mish line,  and  died  the  following  day.  He  was  a 
noble  and  exemplary  young  man,  and  died  cheer- 
fully for  his  country,  with  his  confidence  in  God 
alone.  David  G.  Smith,  of  Company  D,  was 
severely  wounded,  and  lost  an  arm,  on  the  same 
day.  The  Regiment  was  in  reserve  on  the  3d,  and 
again  in  front  on  the  4th.  Samuel  "W.  Titus,  of 
Company  C,  was  wounded  on  the  latter  date. 

During  the  night  of  the  4th  Johnston  abandon- 
ed his  position  and  retreated  toward  Marietta,  in 
consequence  of  the  success  of  Hooker's  movement 
upon  the  left  flank.  Another  step  had  been 
made  in  our  course  toward  Atlanta,  and  a  brief 
period  of  rest  was  again  allowed  the  troops.  This 
also  became  necessary,  in  consequence  of  the  con- 
dition of  our  line  of  communications.  The  railroad 
was  opened  only  to  the  Etowah,  the  bridge  being 
still  unfinished.  The  retreat  of  Johnston  had 
given  us  possession  of  the  Allatooua  Pass,  and 
communications  would  soon  be  opened  to  Ac- 
worth,  to  which  point  General  Sherman  at  once 


206  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

moved  his  army,  employing  the  trains  in  forward- 
ing supplies  from  the  Etowah,  while  awaiting  the 
completion  of  the  bridges  on  the  line  of  railroad. 
The  right  wing  reached  Acworth  on  the  6th  of 
June,  and  remained  in  camp  near. that  place  till 
the  llth  of  that  month.  The  Seventeenth  Corps, 
under  Major  General  Blair,  arrived  at  Acworth 
on  the  9th,  with  a  force  sufficient  to  supply  the 
losses  incurred  during  the  preceding  month. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

BATTLE  OF  KENESAW  MOUNTAIN. 

All  was  in  readiness  for  a  renewal  of  hostilities 
on  the  llth  of  June,  and  the  army  was  again  put 
in  motion.  The  enemy  was  in  position  at  Big 
Shanty,  and  for  three  days  held  his  ground,  during 
which  time  our  lines  were  extended  to  envelop  his. 
flanks,  by  which  he  was  forced  to  retire  from  his 
defenses  to  Kenesaw  Mountain,  on  the  14th.  This 
was  his  last  available  defense  north  of  the  Chatta- 
hoochee,  and  he  deemed  it  impregnable.  Kenesaw 
rises  abruptly  from  an  undulating  plain  to  the 
height  of  a  thousand  feet,  presenting  an  object  of 
interest  to  the  beholder.  From  its  summit  Atlanta 
is  plainly  visible,  while  a  vast  region  lies,  like  a 
map,  before  the  eye.  Upon  the  sides  and  top  of 
this  mountain  Johnston  placed  his  army,  with  his 
flanks  stretching  out  on  the  high  grounds  east  and 
west  of  it.  A  full  view  of  all  our  operations  was 
afforded  from  the  lofty  eminence.  At  the  foot  of 


208  VICKSBCRQ   TO   RALEIGH. 

the  mountain,  and  within  the  enemy's  lines,  lay  the 
beautiful  city  of  Marietta,  the  most  interesting 
town  in  JNTorthern  Georgia. 

Our  forces  at  once  advanced  from  Big  Shanty, 
and  formed  their  extended  lines  confronting  the 
enemy.  On  the  15th  the  lines  of  the  Fifteenth 
Corps  were  advanced,  and  the  enemy  was  driven 
from  his  outer  works  by  a  vigorous  charge,  with 
slight  loss  on  our  part.  A  Brigade  from  each  Divi- 
sion participated  in  this  engagement.  The  move- 
ment was  so  rapid  that  the  enemy  made  but  feeble 
resistance.  The  Regiment  was  engaged,  and  sus- 
tained a  loss  of  three  wounded,  viz  :  George  Wil- 
liams, of  Company  C,  Alfred  Dobbins  of  Com- 
pany G,  and  Daniel  Bolin,  of  Company  I. 

The  development  of  the  right  flank,  soon  after 
this  event,  led  to  the  removal  of  the  Corps  to  the 
right,  where  a  furious  assault  was  made,  on  the 
27th  of  June,  upon  the  enemy  in  his  strong  posi- 
tion. The  troops  engaged  consisted  of  one  Brig- 
ade from  each  Division  of  the  Fourteenth  and 
Fifteenth  Corps,  including  Walcott's  Brigade, 
of  Harrow's  Division.  The  place  selected  for 
the  assault  was  one  which,  if  carried,  would 
secure  greater  advantages  than  any  other  point 
in  the  enemy's  line  of  defense.  The  troops 
formed  under  cover  of  the  forest,  line  succeeding 
line  to  the  number  deemed  necessary,  when  the 
bugle  sounded  the  "  forward."  Up  the  steep,  and 


BATTLE  OF  KENESAW  MOUNTAIN.       209 

on  into  the  face  of  the  enemy,  through  a  destruc- 
tive fire,  the  lines  moved  without  wavering,  while 
every  moment  brave  men  we're  falling  by  scores. 
Never  was  greater  bravery  exhibited,  but  all  was 
in  vain.  The  position  was  impregnable  against 
assault,  and  the  troops  gave  up  the  unequal  contest, 
retiring  in  the  midst  of  an  awful  storm  of  shot  and 
shell,  having  suffered  heavy  loss.  Among  those 
who  fell  were  the  brave  Harker  and  McCook. 

No  further  general  engagement  occurred  during 
the  presence  of  the  army  in  front  of  Kenesaw. 
Heavy  skirmishing  continued  throughout  the  entire 
period  of  more  than  three  weeks,  and  many  noble 
men  perished.  The  Regiment  lost  three  men 
killed,  while  at  Kenesaw.  Benjamin  Brown,  of 
Company  H,  was  struck  by  a  stray  ball,  on  the 
morning  of  June  26th,  while  preparing  his  coffee 
inside  the  works,  and  instantly  killed.  He  was  a 
favorite  in  his  Company,  and  all  lamented  his  tragic 
fate.  John  Linton,  of  Company  K,  was  killed, 
June  27th,  and  William  H,  Ely,  of  Company  E, 
June  28th,  on  the  skirmish  line.  Both  were  good 
soldiers  and  greatly  esteemed  by  their  comrades. 

The  further  development  of  the  right  flank,  by 
the  Twentieth  and  Twenty-third  Corps,  alarmed 
Johnston  for  the  safety  of  his  communications, 
our  lines  already  extending  far  to  his  rear,  com- 
pelling him  to  form  his  lines  of  defense  in  the  shape 
of  a  horse-shoe.  Our  right  would  soon  be  still 


210  VTCKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

farther  extended  toward  the  railroad,  should  he 
attempt  to  retain  his  position  longer.  The  "  great 
flanker,"  as  Sherman  had  begun  to  be  termed,  had 
again  secured  the  advantage,  and  Johnston  was 
forced  to  evacuate  Kenesaw  Mountain,  which  he 
did  on  the  night  of  July  3rd,  retreating  to  the 
Chattahoochee,  at  the  mouth  of  Mckajack  Creek, 
and  covering  the  crossing  for  the  continuance  of 
his  retreat  to  Atlanta. 

On  the  4th  of  July  the  army  was  in  rapid  pur- 
suit of  the  enemy,  pressing  his  rear  closely  to  the 
Chattahoochee.  But  Johnston's  skill  in  retreating 
equaled  that  of  Sherman  in  flanking,  and  the  suc- 
cess attending  the  withdrawal  of  his  army  from 
one  point  to  another  was  made  the  theme  of  com- 
ment and  admiration  in  our  camps.  He  usually 
succeeded  in  the  removal  of  his  most  valuable 
stores  and  munitions  of  war,  and  kept  his  retreat- 
ing columns  well  closed  up  and  his  rear  so  thor- 
oughly guarded  that  stragglers  were  seldom  found. 
Long  continued  practice  in  running  from  Sherman 
had  made  him  master  of  the  art  of  "  getting  off," 
as  Falstaff  would  have  it. 

It  was  evidently  the  purpose  of  Johnston  to 
retire  within  his  defenses  around  Atlanta,  and  his 
delay  at  the  Chattahoochee  was  but  for  a  few  days, 
during  which  the  operations  of  the  armies  were 
confined  to  the  usual  amount  of  skirmishing.  On 

O 

the  12th  Johnston  had  effected  a  crossing,  and  the 


BATTLE   OF   KENESAW   MOUNTAIN.  211 

army  commenced  the  pursuit.  Atlanta  was  just 
before  us,  and  from  the  bluffs  north  of  the  Chatta- 
hoochee  its  spires  were  visible. 

The  Sixteenth  and  Twenty-third  Corps  had 
already  crossed  the  river,  and  the  Fourth,  Four- 
teenth, and  Twentieth  were  moving  to  the  south 
bank  of  the  stream,  leaving  the  Fifteenth  and 
Seventeenth  Corps  to  cross  at  Roswell,  and  occupy 
a  position  upon  the  left.  These  two  Corps  moved 
via  Marietta,  reaching  Roswell  on  the  morning  of 
the  14th,  after  an  exhausting  march  in  the  intense 
heat  of  midsummer.  Daring  the  afternoon  of  the 
14th  we  crossed  the  Chattahoochee,  having  rebuilt 
the  bridge,  destroyed  by  the  enemy  on  his  retreat. 
At  this  point  we  remained  till  the  17th,  fortifying 
our  position. 

On  the  morning  of  July  20th  the  entire  army 
was  in  readiness  for  the  offensive  against  the  rebel 
stronghold,  and  the  forces  were  disposed  for  action. 
In  the  meantime  Johnston  had  been  superseded  by 
Hood,  one  of  his  former  Corps  Commanders,  who 
at  once  inaugurated  a  widely  different  policy  from 
that  pursued  by  his  predecessor.  Determined  to 
hold  Atlanta,  which  Johnston  acknowledged  he 
could  not  do,  Hood  boldly  assumed  the  offensive, 
and  moved  a  strong  force  out  of  the  defenses  to 
meet  our  advancing  lines,  encountering  our  right 
wing  under  Thomas,  and  fiercely  engaging  the 
Fourteenth  and  Twentieth  Corps  at  Peach  Tree 


212  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

Creek.  The  battle  raged  furiously,  the  enemy 
charging  repeatedly,  meeting  a  severe  repulse  each 
time  he  essayed  to  penetrate  our  lines,  and  finally 
retiring  from  the  unequal  contest.  In  this  engage- 
ment both  parties  suffered  severely.  The  weight 
of  the  attack  fell  upon  Hooker's  Corps,  which 
evinced  the  same  spirit  of  heroic  bravery  that  had 
always  marked  that  band  of  noble  men.  Davis' 
Division  of  the  Fourteenth  Corps  was  hotly  en- 
gaged, and  maintained  its  well  earned  reputation. 

While  these  events  were  occurring  on  the  right, 
our  lines  were  formed  and  advanced,  on  the  left 
and  centre,  in  the  following  order.  The  Army  of 
the  Tennessee  on  the  left ;  the  Seventeenth  Corps 
on  the  left  flank,  connecting  with  the  Fifteenth 
Corps  on  its  right,  and  the  Sixteenth  Corps  in 
reserve  near  Decatur.  The  Twenty-third  Corps 
formed  on  the  right  of  the  Fifteenth,  connecting 
on  its  right  with  the  Fourth  Corps.  The  troops 
were  moved  forward  from  Decatur,  and  formed  in 
line  three  miles  east  of  Atlanta,  the  Fifteenth 
Corps  stretching  across  the  railroad,  and  the  Seven- 
teenth on  the  left,  while  the  Fourth  and  Twenty- 
third  Corps  formed  an  irregular  arc  of  a  circle,  to 
the  north  of  Atlanta,  where  the  right  wing  was 
engaged  with  the  enemy. 

The  First  Division  of  the  Fifteenth  Corps  en- 
trenched on  the  right  of  the  railroad  ;  the  Second 
Division  held  a  position  on  both  sides  of  the  road ; 


BATTLE  OF  KENESAW  MOUNTAIN.       213 

and  the  Fourth  Division  was  posted  on  the  left  of 
the  Corps,  the  First  Brigade  being  on  the  right. 

The  great  object  of  the  campaign  was  before  us ; 
but  at  the  gates  of  the  citadel  was  a  watchful 
enemy.  A  great  work  remained  to  be  accom- 
plished before  we  could  enter  the  "  Gate  City." 
We  were  upon  the  eve  of  great  events,  and  under 
the  new  policy  inaugurated  by  Hood  the  utmost 
vigilance  was  requisite  to  guard  every  point  of 
our  extended  lines  against  assault. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

BATTLE  OF  ATLANTA. 

On  the  morning  of  July  22d  it  was  ascertained 
that  the  enemy  had  retired  from  his  fortified  posi- 
tion in  our  front.  The  skirmishers  advanced  into 
the  suburbs  of  Atlanta,  and  our  lines  were  also 
advanced  to  the  works  vacated  by  the  enemy, 
which  were  soon  reversed  and  strengthened. 
Some  new  movement  of  our  rash  antagonist  was 
evidently  in  progress,  but  of  its  nature  we  could 
gather  no  information.  General  Sherman,  how- 
ever, penetrated  Hood's  design,  and  the  appear- 
ance of  the  enemy  upon  our  left  flank  was 
coincident  with  the  extension  of  our  lines,  by  the 
prompt  movement  of  the  Sixteenth  Corps  from  its 
reserve  position.  No  time  was  allowed  for  throw- 
ing up  defenses.  The  rebels  pushed  forward  and 
engaged  the  newly  formed  lines,  evidently  disap- 
pointed to  find  our  flank  protected  by  so  large  a 


BATTLE   OF  ATLANTA.  215 

force,  at  the  same  time  assaulting  the  works  of  the 
Seventeenth  Corps  with  great  impetuosity.  The 
roar  and  din  of  hattle  raged  along  the  lines  from 
Decatur  to  the  right  of  the  Seventeenth  Corps. 

Unfortunately,  in  the  formation  of  the  lines  of 
the  Sixteenth  Corps,  a  gap  was  left  at  its  right, 
into  which  General  McPherson  rode,  with  his 
staff,  in  superintending  the  disposition  of  the 
troops,  and  before  he  was  aware  of  the  position, 
the  rebel  line  advanced,  preceded  by  the  skirmish- 
ers. Before  he  could  escape  he  was  fired  upon, 
one  of  the  shots  taking  effect  in  his  body  and  an- 
other in  his  horse.  He  fell  lifeless  from  his  saddle, 
and  the  horse  sped  riderless  to  the  rear.  The 
news  of  his  death  was  not  made  known  to  the 
troops  till  the  next  day,  and  for  a  time  was  known 
only  in  official  circles.  The  announcement  of  his 
death  disturbed  even  the  equanimity  of  General 
Sherman,  from  whose  presence  he  had  departed 
but  a  short  time  previous.  Instantly  recovering 
from  the  momentary  shock  produced  by  the  sad 
event,  he  issued  orders  to  General  Logan  to  as- 
sume command  of  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee 
and  direct  the  movement  of  the  troops. 

The  pressure  upon  our  lines  had  now  become  so 
great  that  they  were  forced  to  yield  on  the  left, 
the  Sixteenth  Corps  falling  back  steadily,  contest- 
ing every  inch  of  ground  manfully.  The  contest 
raged  in  aggravated  fierceness  along  the  lines  of 


216  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

the  Seventeenth  Corps,  the  enemy  pressing  upon 
and  leaping  over  the  works,  when  the  occupants, 
refusing  to  yield,  leaped  upon  the  other  side  and 
continued  an  almost  hopeless  resistance  with  super- 
human valor.  Blood  flowed  in  torrents,  both 
parties  sustaining  severe  losses,  that  of  the  enemy 
being  fearful  to  contemplate,  as  viewed  after  the 
battle. 

Such  forces  as  could  be  spared  from  the  lines 
were  ordered  from  the  Fifteenth  Corps  to  the 
scene  of  conflict,  and  moved  forward  as  rapidly 
as  possible  to  stem  the  tide  of  battle  that  threat- 
ened to  involve  the  entire  Army  of  the  Tennessee 
in  rout  and  ruin.  The  lines  of  the  Twenty-third 
Corps  were  weakened  to  afford  assistance,  and  by 
the  most  desperate  efforts  the  enemy  was  finally 
forced  from  the  field,  leaving  large  numbers  of  his 
dead  and  wounded,  with  a  thousand  prisoners,  in 
our  hands.  Our  loss  had  been  severe  in  killed  and 
wounded,  and  a  number  at  least  equal  to  those 
captured  by  our  troops  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy. 

In  the  midst  of  the  conflict  the  Division  Hospi- 
tals in  the  rear  were  suddenly  ordered  to  remove 
to  a  place  of  safety,  and  a  scene  of  activity  was 
presented  such  as  we  had  never  witnessed  before. 
In  half  an  hour  after  receipt  of  the  order,  the  sick 
and  wounded,  and  all  the  hospital  equipage  were 
en  route  to  the  rear  of  the  centre. 


BATTLE   OF  ATLANTA.  217 

Failing  to  turn  our  left  flank,  Hood  next  at- 
tempted to  penetrate  the  lines  of  the  Fifteenth 
Corps.  The  line  immediately  on  the  left  of  the 
railroad  had  been  weakened,  and  a  gap  left  for  the 
entrance  of  the  enemy  at  that  point. 

The  result  of  this  blunder  was  disastrous  to  the 
left  of  Smith's  Division  and  the  right  of  Harrow's. 
Like  a  gate  upon  its  hinges,  the  line  was  turned 
from  the  works  by  an  enfilading  fire  from,  the 
flanking  column,  constantly  strengthened  by  the 
force  advancing  from  the  front  and  pouring  over 
the  works  abandoned  by  our  lines.  Thus  Smith's 
Division  was  driven  from  the  entrenchments,  and 
De  Grasse's  Battery  of  20-pounder  Barrott  guns 
fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  The  same  fate 
befell  the  First  Brigade  of  Harrow's  Division, 
commencing  with  our  Regiment,  which  was  forced 
from  the  works  by  companies.  '  The  Brigade  was 
rallied,  and  a  charge  made  for  the  re-occupation  of 
the  line,  but  not  being  supported  by  the  troops  on 
the  right  the  works  could  not  be  held. 

On  the  second  withdrawal  of  our  line,  the 
Second  Brigade,  having  repulsed  the  assault  in 
their  front,  formed  in  line  at  a  right  angle  with 
the  works,  with  a  portion  of  the  command,  open- 
ed an  enfilading  fire  upon  the  enemy's  lines,  and 
checked  the  Advance  of  the  flanking  column, 
while  the  battery,  to  the  left,  poured  in  a  storm 
of  shells  that  forced  the  foe  to  retire  from  the 
K 


218  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

ground,  leaving  our  works  to  be  re-occupied 
without  opposition. 

In  the  desperate  struggle  of  the  22d  of  July 
Hood  sustained  a  loss  of  not  less  than  ten  thou- 
sand, in  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners,  while  ours 
did  not  exceed  four  thousand.  Many  brave 
officers  and  men  sealed  with  their  blood  their 
devotion  to  their  country.  But  none  was  so  much 
lamented  by  the  army  at  large  as  our  beloved 
•commander,  Major  General  James  B.  McPherson. 
The  cheers  with  which  Generals  Sherman  and 
Logan  were  received  the  next  day,  as  they  rode 
along  the  lines,  were  tempered  with  sincere  sorrow 
for  the  loss  of  one  whom  all  loved.  His  eulogy 
is  already  written  in  the  hearts  of  the  brave  men 
who  followed  him  to  battle,  and  who  now  cherish 
his  memory  as  a  precious  treasure.  Nor  did  the 
army  under  his  command  alone  lament  his  death. 
All  felt  that  a  great  and  good  man  had  been  offer- 
ed upon  the  altar  of  his  country,  in  a  sacred 
cause;  and  the  news  of  General  McPherson's 
death  carried  sorrow  to  thousands  of  homes  in 
which  his  services  had  been  gratefully  appreciated. 
He  rests  in  the  soil  of  the  old  homestead  in  Ohio, 
and  under  the  shade  of  the  orchard  trees  beneath 
which  he  passed  the  hours  of  his  boyhood.  In 
peace  let  him  rest,  for  his  is  an  undying  fame. 

The  following  list  of  casualties  in  the  Regiment 
includes  all  occuring  up  to  this  date  in  front  of 
Atlanta : 


BATTLE    OF   ATLANTA.  219 

Company  A — Killed  :  John  A.  Daughters, 
Richard  Doyle.  Wounded:  Frank  F.  Shaw. 
Captured:  John  G.  Little,  James  N".  Reynolds, 
Edward  Richardson,  Thomas  Stewart. 

Company  C — Wounded  :  Jacob  Beekman, 
George  lledrick,  Elias  B.  Reniker,  John  Scott, 
William  II.  Stewart.  Captured  :  John  Barton. 

Company  D — Killed  :  Robert  T.  Little,  Harvey 
E.  Scott.  Wounded:  Richard  M.  Cloud.  Cap- 
tured :  Sergeant  David  Laing,  William  H.  Cook, 
William  C.  Comer. 

Company  E  —  Captured  :  Sergeant  Hiram  A.  L. 
Green,  William  Bray,  John  Donovan,  Jesse 
Frances,  Harrison  B.  Heiner,  Robert  Ilardwick, 
Hezekiah  K.  Linthicum,  Thomas  B.  Poe,  Jefferson 
Rains,  Thomas  E.  Williams. 

Company  F — Killed:  Corporal  Lawrence  Parks, 
Jesse  J.  Jordan.  Wounded:  Peter  H.  Walton. 
Captured :  William  H.  Bowen,  Baanah  T.  Birt, 
Ephraim  Behner,  John  McKeehan,  William-  R. 
McGinley. 

Company  G — Killed  :  Archibald  Gardner, 
James  W.  Moulden.  Wounded:  James  Lister, 
died  October  2d ;  Amos  Rash.  Captured :  Cap- 
tain James  Huston,  First  Lieutenant  Robert  Al- 
font,  Corporal  Elijah  Lunsford,  Corporal  Dezra 
Schroy,  John  Cottrell,  James  Dunham,  Joseph 
Shaffer. 

Company  H — Wounded  :  Benjamin  Cohee, 
died  August  25th.  Captured:  Corporal  William 


220  VICKSBURQ   TO   RALEIGH. 

C.  Roland,  George  Ammons,  Robert  Chandler. 
Wounded :  William  Gale,  Huston  Jones,  James 
M.  Lunsford,  John  A.  Robertson,  John  T.  Ro- 
bertson, Jesse  Vanzant,  died  at  Florence,  S.  C., 
February  14th,  1865. 

Company  I — Wounded:  Second  Lieutenant 
James  H.  Weaver,  died  August  25th;  Joseph 
Wedrick.  Captured :  Zenas  M.  Hines,  died  at 
Millen,  Ga.,  November  3d. 

Company  K — Wounded :  Isaiah  Coleman, 
Samuel  Musser,  Richard  Reed,  died  August  8th. 
Captured:  First  Lieutenant  John  M.  Godown, 
Sergeant  Horace  B.  Franklin,  Sergeant  Lucius  T. 
Barbour,  Corporal  Stephen  W.  Chase,  James  W. 
Fitzgerald,  Henry  C.  Gillespie,  died  in  prison; 
John  W.  Jones,  George  Meyer. 

Lieutenant  Weaver  was  shot  through  the  body, 
on  retiring  from  the  field.  He  was  conveyed  to 
one  of  the  adjacent  skirmish  pits,  when  the  ap- 
proach of  the  enemy  compelled  his  attendants  to 
leave  him.  On  re-occupying  the  works  he  was 
conveyed  to  hospital.  After  three  days  of  intense 
suffering,  he  died  as  he  had  lived,  commending 
himself  and  family  to  the  care  of  Him  in  whose 
hand  are  all  the  issues  of  life. 

Harvey  E.  Scott  was  shot  through  the  lower  jaw 
and  tongue,  preventing  all  utterance.  When  re- 
moved to  the  hospital  we  found  him  in  great 
suffering,  which  nothing  but  death  could  alleviate. 
The  scene  presented  on  that  night  will  never  be 


BATTLE   OF   ATLANTA.  221 

forgotten.  Amid  the  dead  and  dying,  at  the  mid- 
night hour,  we  searched  for  familiar  faces,  and  on 
finding  Harvey  E.  Scott,  already  suffocating  from 
the  swollen  and  mutilated  member,  he  threw  his 
arms  affectionately  around  us,  in  token  of  his 
gratitude  for  this  last  visitation.  Who  shall 
describe  the  deep  feelings  of  the  heart,  aroused  by 
that  strong  embrace  of  the  dying  man !  All  the 
deep  yearnings  of  the  soul  for  loved  ones  far  away 
were  expressed  in  that  one  moment.  Soon  after 
he  passed  away,  a  noble  sacrifice  for  his  country. 

Lawrence  Parks  was  struck  five  times,  while 
attempting  to  rally  his  comrades,  as  they  retired 
the  last  time.  Two  of  the  wounds  were  mortal, 
and  he  died  on  the  field  during  the  night,  kindly 
and  lovingly  attended  by  his  afflicted  brother,  and 
calmly  passed  down  into  the  valley  of  death.  At 
the  midnight  hour  he  was  committed  to  rest  on  the 
field  of  battle. 

James  "W.  Moulden  and  Archibald  Gardner 
were  also  buried  in  the  stillness  of  that  solemn 
night,  with  a  brief  funeral  service.  Such  scenes 
will  linger  in  memory  while  life  shall  last,  as  the 
most  impressive  of  all'  the  sad  events  of  the  war. 
Peace  be  to  the  memory  of  those  noble  men  who 
perished  on  that  memorable  day. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

BATTLE  OF  EZRA  CHURCH. 

A  period  of  inactivity  followed  the  engagement 
of  July  22nd,  both  armies  being  in  need  of  repose 
after  the  fierce  conflict.  The  enemy  had  failed  in 
the  accomplishment  of  his  object,  in  turning  our 
flank  and  compelling  us  to  retreat.  Having  fallen 
fiercely  upon  both  flanks  he  had  found  a  vigilant 
foe,  who  would  not  yield  before  his  impetuous 
assaults.  Yet  he  had  rendered  the  further  exten- 
sion of  our  lines  to  the  left  impracticable,  and 
General  Sherman  again  resorted  to  his  favorite 
plan  of  developing  the  least  exposed  flank.  He 
therefore  ordered  the  withdrawal  of  the  entire  left 
wing  of  the  army,  for  the  extension  of  the  right 
flank.  This  movement  was  effected  during  the 
26th  and  27th  of  July,  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee 
moving  to  the  rear  and  right  of  the  entire  line,  and 
forming  on  the  right  of  Hooker,  on  the  28th. 

Major  General  0. 0.  Howard  was  assigned  to  com- 
mand the  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  at  which  General 


BATTLE   OF    EZRA    CHURCH.  223 

Hooker  was  incensed,  and  asked  to  be  relieved 
from  command  of  the  Twentieth  Corps.  His 
request  was  granted ;  and  Major  General  Williams 
succeeded  him  in  command.  Brigadier  General 
William  H.  Hazen  superseded  General  Smith  in 
command  of  the  Second  Division  Fifteenth  Corps, 
at  the  same  time. 

The  enemy,  ever  watchful  for  his  flanks,  per- 
ceived the  design  of  the  pending  movement,  and 
concentrated  a  strong  force  upon  his  left,  for  the 
protection  of  his  communications,  which  would  be 
endangered  by  the  development  of  our  right  flank 
unopposed.  The  Sixteenth  Corps  had  got  into 
position  on  the  right  of  the  Twentieth,  and  the 
Seventeenth  Corps  on  its  right,  while  the  Fifteenth 
Corps,  in  conjunction  with  Davis'  Division  of  the 
Fourteenth  Corps,  was  moving  upon  the  extreme 
right.  At  this  juncture  the  enemy  threw  his 
columns  upon  our  flank,  Harrow's  Division  receiv- 
ing the  shock  of  the  first  assault.  Davis  had  lost 
his  course,  and  wandered  so  far  to  the  right  that 
his  appearance  on  the  flank  for  our  protection  was 
delayed ;  and  the  enemy  surged  like  a  vast  wave 
upon  our  lines,  as  they  were  advancing  over  a 
narrow  ridge  covered  with  a  belt  of  forest,  with  an 
open  field  stretching  away  to  the  right.  Time 
was  precious,  and  the  few  moments  preceding  the 
appearance  of  the  enemy,  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  field,  were  well  improved  in  throwing  up  a 


224  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

barricade  of  rails,  and  in  digging  a  small  trench 
with  no  other  tools  than  the  bayonets  and  tin 
plates  of  the  men.  It  was  surprising  to  see  how 
quickly  this  temporary  defense  was  erected  with 
the  means  at  command.  As  the  rebel  line  came 
forward,  pressing  back  our  skirmishers  in  hot 
haste,  the  troops  seized  their  guns  and  assumed 
their  places  behind  the  rude  works,  pouring  a 
destructive  fire  into  the  advancing  lines,  which 
still  moved  on,  as  if  invulnerable,  in  the  awful 
storm  of  balls  that  fell  like  rain  in  their  midst. 
Line  after  line,  they  confidently  pressed  across  the 
field,  yelling  like  demons,  and  firing  as  they  came. 
Reaching  the  cluster  of  pines,  in  which  our  lines 
•were  formed,  the  fire  of  our  troops  became  more 
effective,  and  further  progress  was  impossible.  A 
few  defiant  men  pushed  on  till  they  fell  beside  the 
"barricade,  but  the  lines  paused,  wavered,  and  then 
broke  in  confusion,  the  scattered  fugitives  flying, 
amidst  a  shower  of  bullets,  to  the  cover  of  the 
woods  and  rising  ground  beyond  the  field. 

But  failure  was  not  defeat;  and  a  fresh  force 
quickly  advanced  to  renew  the  attack.  In  front 
and  in  flank  they  came,  like  an  avalanche,  bearing 
destruction  before  them.  The  direct  assault  was 
met  and  checked,  but  our  flank  was  endangered. 
At  this  juncture  the  veterans  of  Walcott's  Brigade 
appeared  on  the  right,  arid  those  noble  heroes  of 
the  Sixth  Iowa  and  Fortieth  Illinois  met  the  awful 


BATTLE   OF   EZRA   CHURCH.  225 

shock  with  their  characteristic  valor.  Officers  and 
men  went  down  in  the  conflict.  Friend  and  foe 
found  a  gory  bed  in  close  proximity ;  but  still  the 
storm  of  battle  raged  above  them.  At  this  excit- 
ing moment  the  voice  of  our  brave  leader  was 
heard,  above  the  din  of  battle,  as  General  Logan 
rode  up,  waving  his  hat  high  in  air,  his  face  wear- 
ing an  aspect  of  ferocity  that  no  language  can 
describe.  The  music  of  that  voice — for  what  is 
more  inspiring  to  a  brave  man  in  close  grapple 
with  an  armed  foe  than  the  stirring  notes  of  com- 
mand from  a  tried  and  trusted  leader — fell  upon 
the  ears  of  as  brave  men  as  ever  met  a  foe,  and 
nerved  them  to  more  desperate  deeds  of  valor, 
while  a  cheer  rung  back  the  echo  of  the  voice 
urging  them  on.  Nothing  could  withstand  the 
combined  influence  of  that  battle-cry  and  the 
furious  onset  that  succeeded.  In  dismay  the  rebels 
fled  before  the  fierceness  of  the  storm,  and  the  tide 
of  battle  had  *  reached  its  highest  point.  The 
struggle  was  not  yet  ended.  But,  with  our  flanks 
secure,  the  enemy  essayed  in  vain  to  penetrate  the 
lines.  Charge  after  charge  succeeded,  and  the 
whole  front  of  Harrow's  Division  was  a  continuous 
blaze  of  fire  from  thousands  of  rifles,  the  guns 
becoming  so  heated  as  almost  to  ignite  the  powder. 
Perhaps  no  severer  engagement,  with  mere 
musketry — duration  of  conflict  and  numbers  en- 
gaged in  the  defense  considered — occurred  during 


226  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

the  war  than  that  at  Ezra  Church,  on  the  28th  of 
July.  During  the  period  occupied  in  seven  suc- 
cessive charges  of  the  enemy,  the  Twenty-sixth 
Illinois  fired  forty  thousand  rounds  of  ammuni- 
tion, and  other  regiments,  doubtless,  in  like  pro- 
portion. The  Twelfth  Indiana,  excepting  Com- 
panies G  and  K,  was  held  in  reserve,  and  supplied 
the  troops  in  line  with  ammunition,  and  the  men 
employed  in  supplying  the  Twenty -sixth  Illinois, 
testified  to  the  fact  above  stated.  In  evidence  of 
the  fierceness  of  the  fire  it  is  only  necessary  to  state 
that  many  of  the  small  pines,  several  inches  in 
diameter,  were  cut  off  by  the  bullets  in  front  of 
that  regiment,  and  at  other  points  along  the  line 
where  the  pines  intervened  between  the  works 
and  the  open  field.  Prisoners  also  testified  to  the 
fearful  intensity  of  the  fire,  which  exceeded  all 
they  had  ever  witnessed.  Before  such  a  resistance 
the  bravest  troops  that  ever  marched  must  have 
fled,  and  the  persistence  of  the  enemy  in  the  face 
of  such  a  fire  evinced  the  sublimest  courage,  which 
was  worthy  of  a  nobler  cause. 

The  frequent  repetition  of  the  charge  also  in- 
dicated the  character  of  the  new  rebel  commander, 
which  failed  to  secure  the  respect  and  confidence 
of  his  army  that  Johnston  had  so  largely  shared. 
This  was  apparent  from  remarks  made  by  pris- 
oners, who,  when  inquiries  were  made  of  them 
respecting  their  strength,  •  replied,  "  We  have 


BATTLE   OF   EZRA   CHURCH.  227 

enough  for  about  two  more  killings,"  referring  to 
the  great  slaughter  of  their  troops  on  the  recent 
occasions  of  Hood's  desperate  assaults  on  our  lines. 
But  he  at  last  learned  wisdom,  after  having  lost 
not  less  than  fifteen  thousand  men  in  the  three 
engagements  before  Atlanta,  July  20th,  22d  and 
28th.  He  never  again  tried  the  experiment,  till, 
forgetting  the  lesson  lie  had  learned  at  Atlanta,  he 
repeated  his  efforts  at  Franklin  and  Nashville,  in 
December  following. 

The  scene  presented  the  ensuing  day  on  that 
ensanguined  field,  like  that  of  the  22d,  was  fear- 
ful to  contemplate.  The  entire  absence  of  artil- 
lery in  the  engagement  rendered  the  shock  of 
battle  far  less  apparent  in  the  forests  between  and 
in  rear  of  the  lines  than  on  other  fields.  But  the 
piles  of  dead  along  the  whole  line  evinced  the 
severe  losses  the  enemy  had  sustained.  Under 
cover  of  the  ensuing  night  most  of  the  slightly  and 
severely  wounded  escaped,  or  were  removed  from 
the  field,  our  pickets  being  posted  near  our  own 
lines,  those  of  a  dangerous  character  only  being 
left  on  the  field.  But  large  numbers  of  those 
wounded  in  close  proximity  to  our  works  were 
conveyed  to  hospital,  where  many  died.  Hood's 
loss  in  this  engagement  must  have  reached  three 
thousand,  while  ours  was  less  than  five  hundred. 
The  severest  loss  was  sustained  by  both  parties  on 
the  right,  where  the  contest  raged  for  the  turning 


228  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH." 

of  our  flank,  the  only  chance  of  success  on  the 
part  of  the  enemy.  At  this  point  ninety  of  the 
rebel  dead  were  buried  in  one  grave.  The  appear- 
ance of  these  bodies,  gathered  for  burial  on  the 
day  after  the  battle,  was  horrible  in  the  extreme. 
Exposed  to  the  heat  of  midsummer,  during  all 
that  long  day,  the  blackened  and  bloated  forms  of 
officers,  of  all  ranks,  and  men  were  arranged  hi 
long  rows  for  burial,  while  the  progress  of  decom- 
position had  so  far  advanced  that  our  soldiers 
could  not  endure  the  infected  atmosphere,  and  a 
detail  of  colored  pioneers  was  assigned  to  duty 
on  the  field.  The  scenes  witnessed  on  these  two 
battle-fields  before  Atlanta  surpassed  all  that  we 
had  previously  witnessed,  and  nothing  was  after- 
ward seen  to  compare  with  them  in  sickening 
details. 

The  Regiment  lost  one  man  killed,  and  six 
slightly  wounded.  Lieutenant  John  H.  Waters, 
of  Company  A,  was  mortally  wounded  on  return- 
ing to  the  works  from  the  skirmish  line,  in  the 
commencement  of  the  action.  He  was  a  brave 
and  noble-hearted  man,  and  his  loss  was  lamented 
by  his  numerous  friends,  as  a  deep  personal  afflic- 
tion. He  was  a  genial  and  true  friend,  an  affec- 
tionate husband  and  father,  and  a  faithful  officer. 
His  body  was  brought  from  the  field  after  the 
battle  and  buried  near  the  works.  The  following 


BATTLE    OF   EZRA    CHURCH.  229 

members  of  the  regiment  were  wounded:  Ser- 
geant John  D.  Clark,  and  James  K.  P.  Franklin, 
Company  A ;  Samuel  Dickey  and  Thomas  Irelan, 
Company  D ;  William  II.  Andrew,  Company  E  ; 
and  Sergeant  James  A.  McDowell,  Company  1C 

The  removal  of  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee  to 
the  right  was  succeeded  by  the  .withdrawal  of  the 
remainder  of  the  Fourteenth,  and  the  Twenty- 
third  Corps,  which  also  took  new  positions  on  our 
right,  leaving  the  Fourth  Corps  upon  the  left  flank. 
Thus  about  six  miles  of  our  lines  had  been  aban- 
doned on  the  east  of  Atlanta,  uncovering  the 
Georgia  Railroad,  which  had  been  thoroughly 
destroyed  as  far  east  as  Covington,  rendering  its 
use  impossible  for  months  to  come.  The  exten- 
sion of  our  right  flank  was  designed  to  cut  the 
enemy's  only  remaining  line  of  communication, 
via  Macon,  but  Hood  always  kept  that  line  well 
covered  whenever  we  advanced  or  extended  our 
lines,  and  the  ultimate  result  of  our  operations 
began  to  appear  doubtful  to  those  of  a  despondant 
tendency. 

Not  a  few  predicted  the  failure  of  the  campaign, 
and  the  retreat,  if  not  the  defeat  of  our  noble 
army,  under  its  no  less  noble  commander,  whose 
fame  had  been  created  for  him  by  the  troops  he 
had  so  long  led  to  certain  victory.  None  knew 
better  than  General  Sherman  that  failure  now 
would  forever  obliterate  his  greatness,  as  he  so 


230  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

truthfully  remaked  at  Savannah,  on  a  subsequent 
occasion.  But  he  was  not  seeking  honor  or  fame. 
He  was  an  earnest  man  intensely  active  in  the  pursuit 
of  a  noble  object.  Next  to  his  family  he  loved  the 
army  with  whom  he  fought  for  the  suppression  of 
rebellion,  and  of  its  success  he  entertained  no 
doubts.  While  those  in  the  valley  below,  shut  out 
from  a  view  of  the  great  map  of  operations,  thought 
clouds  of  darkness  were  flitting  ominously  over  the 
scene,  he  saw,  from  his  lofty  elevation,  the  almost 
certain  attainment  of  the  object  before  him.  The 
resources  of  military  genius  were  not  yet  exhaust- 
ed, and  delay  was  not  to  him  even  disappointment, 
much  less  defeat.  Like  his  sole  military  superior 
in  rank,  with  more  of  a  nervous  temperament,  he 
had  a  strong  confidence  in  ultimate  triumph,  which 
made  him  invincible,  and  which  had  prompted  the 
terse  declaration  of  Grant  at  Spottsylvania  Court 
House.  "  I  shall  fight  it  out  on  this  line,  if  it  takes 
all  the  summer."  Sherman,  too,  was  on  his  line, 
which  had  Atlanta  for  its  first  important  point  of 
direction,  and  if  he  could  not  reach  it  from  the 
east,  north,  or  west,  he  would  strike  from  the 
south,  and  compel  its  abandonment,  as  he  eventu- 
ally did  at  Jonesboro. 

As  a  last  resort,  a  strong  cavalry  force  was  order- 
ed to  move  from  different  points,  for  the  destruction 
of  the  enemy's  communications  to  the  south.  Ow- 
ing to  the  impossibility  of  providing  for  all  the 


BATTLE  OF  EZRA  CHURCH.         231 

contingencies  of  a  cavalry  expedition  to  the  rear  of 
a  vigilant  foe,  the  plan  was  not  successful ;  the  two 
main  commands  failing  to  effect  a  junction  as  con- 
templated, and  the  duty  assigned  proving  too 
great  for  one  of  them  to  accomplish  unaided. 
General  Stoneman  advanced  to  Macon,  where  he 
found  a  superior  force  of  the  enemy,  and  was 
forced  to  retire,  in  effecting  which  he  was  inter- 
cepted and  captured,  with  a  large  portion  of  his 
command,  the  remainder  being  badly  scattered 
and  rendered  wholly  inefficient  for  offense,  and 
scarcely  capable  of  defense  against  the  active  ene- 
my. The  other  column  accomplished  nothing  of 
essential  value,  and  but  one  alternative  was  left  to 
General  Sherman,  which  he  subsequently  adopted, 
forcing  the  enemy  to  retire,  by  a  well  executed 
movement  .upon  his  rear  at  Jonesboro. 

The  record  of  events  during  the  month  of  August 
is  full  of  interest,  but  a  few  items  only  will  be 
noticed.  Our  lines  were  twice  advanced,  under  a 
severe  fire  from  the  enemy's  skirmish  lines.  The 
Regiment  lost  a  number  of  men  on  these  several 
occasions,  whose  names  appear  in  the  annexed  list. 
On  the  17th  of  August  Sergeant  William  B.  Man- 
kin,  of  Company  F,  volunteered  to  lead  a  small 
party,  for  the  capture  of  a  skirmish  post  from  which 
the  fire  had  been  almost  constant  and  very  annoy- 
ing. The  point  was  carried,  with  the  loss  of  two 
of  the  assailants,  "William  Shaffer,  of  Company  G, 


232  VICKSBURQ   TO   RALEIGH. 

and  David  Vanskike,  of  Company  II,  as  brave  men 
as  the  Regiment  could  boast.  The  former  was 
brought  from  the  field,  but  the  fate  of  the  latter  was 
never  known.  He  was  doubtless  killed,  having 
frequently  declared  that  he  would  never  be  taken 
prisoner.  But  the  bravery  of  the  heroic  band  was 
displayed  in  vain.  The  enemy  re-occupied  the 
position,  and  held  it  during  our  continuance  at 
that  place.  The  following  is  a  summary  of  the 
events  of  this  period : 

July  28th — Jeremiah  Trotter,  of  Company  H,  died  at  Division 
Hospital,  of  disease ;  Henry  D.  Shaw,  of  Company  K,  also  died 
on  the  30th. 

August  1st — Wounded:  Samuel  Dickey,  Company  D,  died  on 
the  3rd ;  Henry  H.  Bayliff,  Company  E,  died  on  the  4th. 

August  3rd — Killed:  Peter  Meyers  and  Christian  Rosensteel, 
Company  I,  Amos  Wilson,  Company  G, ;  Wounded :  Edwin  B. 
John,  Company  D,  Lewis  Runyon,  Company  II,  Joseph  0.  Yount, 
Company  I,  died  on  the  21st.  William  Curnutt,  of  Company  E, 
died  on  the  4th,  from  exhaustion  during  the  battle  of  July  28th. 

August  6th — Wounded:  Serjeant  Elihu  W.  Holeman,  Com- 
pany H. 

August  9th — Killed:  Hospital  Steward  Francis  H.  Martin. 
His  loss  was  deplored  most  of  all  by  Dr.  Taylor,  to  whom  his 
services  were  almost  invaluable.  The  vacancy  created  by  his 
death  was  never  filled.  Ellis  Hughes,  of  Company  K,  was 
wounded  the  same  day. 

August  13th — Wounded:  Corporal  Jeremiah  Kreiter,  Com- 
pany I. 

August  15th — Killed:  William  Thomas,  Company  G. 

August  17th — Killed:  William  Shaffer,  Company  G,  David 
Vanskike,  Company  H. 

August  18th — Wounded:  Henry  Tracy,  Company  K,  died  on 
the  21st. 


BATTLE    OF   EZRA   CHURCH.  233 

During  this  period  Dr.  Lomax,  was  in  charge  of 
Division  Hospital. 

Several  hundred  patients  were  admitted  for 
treatment,  thirty  of  whom  died.  A  large  propor- 
tion were  sent  to  Marietta  and  admitted  to  General 
Hospital. 

Chaplain  Massey,  of  the  Fortieth  Illinois,  was 
requested,  by  Dr.  Lomax,  to  take  general  supervi- 
sion of  the  work  of  removal,  in  connection  with 
the  arrangement  of  new  accommodations  for  the 
constantly  increasing  list  of  sick  men  from  the 
front.  In  this  capacity  he  rendered  himself  very 
useful.  In  the  removal  of  the  sick  and  wounded 
to  Marietta,  he,  on  one  occasion,  ordered  two  of  the 
best  ambulances  to  be  reserved  for  four  Colonels, 
marked  on  the  ward  list  "  Col."  Knowing 
that  there  was  a  rebel  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the 
Forty-sixth  Tennessee  in  the  officers'  ward,  who 
had  been  severely  wounded  and  brought  from  the 
field  on  the  28th  of  July,  and  supposing  that  some 
of  our  own  officers  of  that  rank,  then  in  hospital, 
were  to  go  to  the  rear,  he  first  attended  to  the 
wounded  and  sick  soldiers.  On  making  inquiry 
for  the  four  Colonels,  he  was  informed  by  the 
ward-master  that  "  Col."  indicated  colored  men. 
The  joke  was  a  good  one  upon  the  Chaplain,  but 
better  yet  upon  the  rebel  Lieutenant  Colonel,  who 
was  assigned  a  place  in  one  of  the  ambulances  reserv- 
ed for  the  wounded  pioneers.  It  was  a  long  time 


234  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH.' 

before  the  Chaplain  heard  the  last  of  his  "  four 
Colonels." 

Among  the  numerous  cases  of  singular  interest 
were  two  of  remarkable  preservation  from  instant 
death.  One  of  these  was  that  of  a  member  of  the 
Seventieth  Ohio  who  was  shot  in  the  works,  and 
supposed  to  be  mortally  wounded.  He  fell  sense- 
less in  the  trenches,  and  his  companions  searched 
in  vain  for  the  least  trace  of  a  wound.  On  his 
recovery  from  the  shock  produced  by  the  bullet, 
he  took  from  his  coat  pocket  a  large  sized  Testa- 
ment, which  covered  his  left  breast  and  the  region 
of  the  heart.  Imbedded  in  the  book,  with  the 
point  resting  upon  the  fifth  verse,  in  the  third  chap- 
ter of  Revelations,  the  bullet  was  found.  The 
Testament  had  been  given  to  him  by  his  wife  on 
leaving  home,  and  his  promise  to  read  it  had  been 
violated.  Now  it  had  been  the  means  of  saving  his 
life,  and  on  being  brought  into  the  hospital  he 
showed  the  book  to  his  companions,  and  declared 
he  would  take  no  price  for  the  precious  memento. 
He  was  deeply  impressed  by  the  text  pointed  oat 
by  the  bullet  of  the  enemy,  and  by  his  request 
Chaplain  Bundy  preached  a  sermon  from  the 
words.  The  book  saved  his  life,  and  its  precious 
promises  led  him  to  seek  the  more  important  sal- 
vation offered  to  sinful  men. 

Another  case  of  interest  was  that  of  a  soldier  of 
the  Forty-eighth  Illinois,  who  was  struck  in  the 


BATTLE   OF  EZRA  CHURCH.  235 

forehead  by  a  ball,  which  pierced  the  head  to  the 
depth  of  two  inches ;  yet  the  bullet  could  not  be 
found,  after  the  closest  examination.  The  man 
rode  to  the  hospital,  in  excellent  spirits,  sitting 
on  the  box  with  the  driver,  telling  us  he  was 
going  home  on  a  furlough,  which  he  actually  did 
accomplish  after  reaching  Marietta. 

Many  other  incidents  of  thrilling  interest  might 
be  added,  did  space  permit.  The  scenes  of  suf- 
fering presented  in  the  hospitals  along  our  extended 
lines  was  one  full  of  harrowing  details  which  will 
long  be  remembered. 

In  this  connection  the  unselfish  and  sacrificing 
labors  of  that  noble  woman,  Mrs.  Eliza  E.  George, 
of  Fort  Wayne,  must  not  be  omitted.  Of  all  the 
patriotic  women  of  the  land  none  is  more  worthy 
of  a  monument  of  praise  than  this  philanthropic 
Christian  lady  and  soldier's  friend.  She  has  since 
died  at  the  post  of  duty  to  which  she  was  called 
and  urged  by  Christian  charity.  In  the  long  list 
of  names  rendered  sacred  in  the  record  of  Indiana, 
during  the  great  conflict,  no  woman  will  occupy  a 
more  conspicuous  place  than  Mrs.  George.  As 
the  dispensing  agent  of  the  Indiana  Sanitary 
Commission  she  braved  the  dangers  of  the  battle- 
field, and  moved  calm  as  the  tried  warrior  among 
the  bursting  shells.  Her  soft  and  gentle  tread, 
with  her  soothing  voice  and  maternal  tenderness 
for  the  sick  and  wounded  in  hospital,  fell  like  the 


236  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

far-off  music  of  home  upon  the  hearts  of  brave 
men,  suffering  from  wounds  and  disease.  During 
the  latter  part  of  July,  through  the  sultry  month 
of  August,  and  till  the  campaign  closed  in  triumph 
m  September,  this  excellent  woman  remained  with 
the  Fourth  Division  Hospital,  ministering  to  the 
suffering  of  every  State  alike.  Thousands  of  bless- 
ings descended  upon  her  head,  and.  many  noble 
men  were  made  stronger  in  the  hour  of  affliction 
by  her  kindness*  The  delicacies  afforded  them 
from  the  stores  of  the  Indiana  Sanitary  Commis- 
sion were  welcome  luxuries  to  men  enfeebled  by 
disease  and  wounds.  Of  her  it  may  truly  be  said, 
as  Christ  said  of  Mary,  "  She  hath  done  what  she 
could."  And  when  she  could  no  longer  labor  for 
the  afflicted  she  became  a  sufferer  with  them,  and 
died  the  following  spring  at  Wilmington,  North 
Carolina,  whither  she  had  gone  to  renew  her  work 
of  love,  after  a  brief  rest  in  the  quiet  of  her  peace- 
ful home. 

On  the  4th  of  August  the  First  Brigade  was 
consolidated  with  the  Second  and  Third,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  diminished  strength  of  the  command. 
The  Regiment  was  assigned  to  the  Third  Brigade, 
which  became  the  First,  and  consisted  of  the  follow- 
ing regiments,  viz  :  the  Fifteenth  Michigan,  Seven- 
tieth Ohio,  Forty-eighth  and  Ninetieth  Illinois,  and 
Twelfth  and  Ninety-ninth  Indiana,  Colonel  Oliver, 
of  the  Fifteenth  Michigan,  commanding.  Colonel 


BATTLE   OF   EZRA   CHURCH.  237 

Williams  again  assumed  command  of  the  Regi- 
ment, having  led  the  Brigade  through  all  the 
memorable  events  of  the  three  months  of  active 
operations  in  the  face  of  the  enemy.  The  previous 
reputation  of  the  Brigade  had  been  fully  sustained, 
and  all  regretted  to  see  the  organization  broken 
up.  The  association  of  the  past  had  been  pleasant, 
and  a  noble  spirit  of  emulation  had  prevailed  in 
the  several  regiments  of  the  Brigade. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

BATTLE  OF  JONESBORO. 

General  Sherman  had  formed  his  plans  for  retir- 
ing the  entire  army  from  the  lines  around  Atlanta 
as  early  as  the  18th  of  August,  .but  for  prudential 
reasons  the  movement  was  deferred.  The  with- 
drawal of  an  army  from  the  presence  of  the  enemy, 
for  the  execution  of  a  bold  and  quick  movement 
to  his  rear,  is  one  of  the  most  difficult  and  danger- 
ous of  all  military  operations.  The  manner  in 
which  our  great  Chieftain  effected  his  purpose  at 
once  placed  him  among  the  greatest  Generals  in 
the  world,  and  the  grand  result  occasioned  a  deep 
feeling  of  joy  throughout  the  loyal  States. 

The  army  commenced  the  work  of  retiring  the 
lines  on  the  night  of  the  25th  of  August.  The 
Fourth  Corps  moved  to  the  rear  and  right,  leaving 
a  strong  skirmish  line  to  keep  up  a  vigorous  fire. 
At  the  same  time  the  Twentieth  Corps  fell  back 
to  the  Chattahoochee,  covering  the  crossing  at  the 


BATTLE   OF  JONESBORO.  239 

Railroad  Bridge,  and  presenting  the  appearance 
of  retreat.  On  the  night  of  the  26th  the  right 
wing  also  retired,  the  Sixteenth  Corps  having  oc- 
cupied an  entrenched  position  for  the  protection 
of  our  left  flank.  The  columns  moved  in  the 
direction  of  Sandtown,  with  the  design  of  deceiv- 
ing the  enemy  into  the  belief  that  we  were  really 
retreating  across  the  Chattahoochee.  The  feint 
was  eminently  successful.  Hood  regarded  the 
evidence  presented  by  the  movements  of  our  army 
as  indicating  unmistakably  the  abandonment  of 
operations  against  Atlanta.  The  sounds  of  joy 
rang  through  the  city,  and  it  was  officially  declar- 
ed that  Sherman  had  retired  beyond  the  Chatta- 
hoochee. A  reconnoissance  in  force,  in  the  direc- 
tion taken  by  the  Twentieth  Corps,  confirmed 
previous  conclusions,  the  enemy  being  driven  back 
by  our  forces.  Hood  was  at  last  completely  out- 
generaled, and  ere  he  was  aware  of  the  real  design 
of  his  antagonist  a  strong  force  was  thrown  across 
the  West  Point  Railroad,  at  Fairburn,  and  that 
road  thoroughly  destroyed  for  a  distance  of  twelve 
miles. 

The  rails  were  torn  from  the  ties,  the  latter  piled 
upon  the  road-bed  and  the  rails  arranged  upon 
them  for  heating.  A  brisk  fire  was  kindled  by 
the  engineers,  and  when  the  rails  were  sufficiently 
heated  levers  were  attached  at  the  two  extremes 
of  each  rail,  by  hooks  adapted  for  the  purpose,  the 


240  VICKSBURCJ  TO   RALEIGH. 

power  applied  operating  in  opposite  directions, 
twisting  the  bar  so  as  to  render  its  use  impossible. 
Many  of  the  rails  were  wound  around  trees  and 
left  in  that  condtion.  A  deep  cut  near  Fairburn 
was  filled  with  fallen  trees,  to  which  wires 
were  attached,  connecting  with  shells  ready  for 
explosion,  the  whole  mass  being  covered  with 
earth. 

On  the  30th  the  army  moved  rapidly  forward  to 
cut  the  Macon  Railroad,  the  only  remaining  line 
of  communication  in  possession  of  the  enemy. 
In  the  meantime  Hood  had  discovered  the  object 
of  his  antagonist,  and  hurriedly  dispatched  a  por- 
tion of  his  force,  under  Hardee,  to  protect  his  line 
of  communication  with  Macon,  while  he  remained 
with  the  right  wing  of  his  army  for  the  defense 
of  Atlanta.  But  he  had  been  too  long  deceived 
to  avert  the  impending  disaster. 

The  disposition  of  our  forces  was  as  follows : 
the  Army  of  the  Tennessee  on  the  right,  the  Fif- 
teenth Corps  in  the  centre,  and  the  Sixteenth  and 
Seventeenth  Corps  on  the  flank.  The  left  wing 
was  disposed  in  the  following  order:  the  Four- 
teenth Corps  on  the  right,  the  Fourth  Corps  in  the 
centre,  and  Twenty-third  Corps  on  the  extreme 
left  flank.  On  the  advance  of  the  right,  the 
enemy  opposed  our  progress  with  a  strong  skir- 
mish line,  which  was  steadily  driven  back  in  the 
direction  of  Jonesboro. 


t~ 

BATTLE   OF   JONESBORO.  241 

Our  column  crossed  Flint  River  and  formed 
their  lines  on  the  hill-side  east  of  that  stream, 
fortifying  during  the  night.  At  three  P.  M., 
August  31st,  the  enemy  charged  upon  the  line  of 
the  Fifteenth  Corps,  and  a  furious  fire  was  poured 
into  his  ranks  from  our  works,  which  soon  forced 
him  to  retire  with  severe  loss.  The  shells  fell 
among  the  hospitals  in  the  rear,  killing  and 
wounding  several  of  the  patients. 

In  the  meantime  the  left  of  the  army,  under 
Thomas  and  Schofield,  moved  forward,  several 
miles  to  our  left,  striking  the  enemy's  communica- 
tions at  Rough  and  Ready,  and  moving  down 
upon  the  flank  of  the  enemy  at  Jonesboro,  thus 
completely  severing  the  rebel  army.  The  railroad 
was  destroyed  as  the  forces  advanced,  and  on  the 
afternoon  of  September  1st  the  right  of  the  Four- 
teenth Corps  reached  the  position  of  the  Seven- 
teenth Corps,  relieving  Blair's  entire  command, 
which  moved  to  the  right  and  went  into  position 
on  the  flank.  The  advance  of  Thomas  was  cov7 
ered  by  a  fierce  demonstration  along  the  lines  of 
the  Fifteenth  Corps,  keeping  the  enemy  in  con- 
stant expectation  of  attack,  thus  preventing  the 
weakening  of  his  centre  for  the  reinforcement  of 
his  right,  now  endangered  by  the  approach  of  the 
Fourteenth  Corps.  Davis  had  succeeded  Palmer 
in  command  of  that  Corps,  and  Brigadier  General 
L 


242  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

Morgan  assumed  command  of  the  Second  Divi- 
sion, which  moved  forward,  in  beautiful  order, 
upon  the  right,  in  the  face  of  a  severe  fire.  The 
view  of  the  engagement  from  the  hills  on  the  oppo- 
site side  of  the -river  was  awfully  impressive.  On, 
through  forest  and  cultivated  fields,  the  lines  mov- 
ed, charging  upon  and  carrying  the  enemy's  left, 
sweeping  like  a  tornado  over  the  defenses,  and 
capturing  twelve  pieces  of  artillery  and  nearly  a 
thousand  prisoners,  with  comparatively  slight  loss. 

The  Fourth  and  Twenty-third  Corps  were 
pressing  to  the  rear  to  cut  off  Hardee's  retreat, 
and  but  for  the  intervening  darkness  would  doubt- 
less have  succeeded  in  reaching  the  enemy's  left 
flank.  The  roar  of  battle  continued  long  after 
rightfall,  the  demonstration  by  the  Fifteenth 
Corps  being  continued  in  favor  of  Thomas  and 
Schofield.  But  the  desired  point  could  not  be 
reached,  and  the  army"  passed  the  night  in  readi- 
ness to  renew  the  offensive  at  an  early  hour  the 
next  morning,  should  the  enemy  fail  to  evacuate 
his  position. 

The  disastrous  result  of  the  day's  operations  ne- 
cessitated retreat,  and  Hardee  made  good  use  of 
the  time  in  withdrawing  his  forces  to  Lovejoy's 
Station,  about  six  miles  south,  where  he  again 
made  a  stand  to  await  a  junction  with  Hood,  who 
had  been  forced  to  evacuate  Atlanta  and  retreat 
toward  McDonough.  Major  General  Slocum, 


BATTLE   OF  JONESBORO.  243 

commanding  the   Twentieth   Corps,   at  once   oc- 
cupied  Atlanta,    and    the    main    army  followed, 
the   retreating    forces    under    Hardee,  occupying 
Jonesboro  on  the  morning  of  September  2d. 

The  news  of  Hood's  retreat  and  Slocum's  oc- 
cupation of  the  city  was  officially  communicated 
to  the  troops  on  the  3d  of  September,  and  orders 
were  immediately  issued  for  the  withdrawal  of  the 
forces  from  the  presence  of  the  enemy,  which  was 
effected  on  the  night  of  the  5th,  under  cover  of 
darkness,  and  in  the  midst  of  a  disagreeable 
storm.  At  ten  P.  M.  the  forces  were  again  at 
Jonesboro. 

The  enemy  followed  us,  and  occupied  the  place 
immediately,  advancing  as  far  as  Rough  and 
Ready,  while  the  army  continued  its  return  march 
to  Atlanta  and  East  Point  The  congratulatory 
order  of  General  Sherman  was  issued,  declaring 
the  campaign  closed,  directing  the  establishment 
of  camps  for  the  respective  commands,  and  prom- 
ising rest  to  the  troops.  The  Army  of  the  Ten- 
nessee was  ordered  into  camp  in  the  vicinity  of 
East  Point,  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  in  and 
around  Atlanta,  and  the  Army  of  the  Ohio  at 
Decatur. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


CAMP  AT  EAST  POINT. 

The  camps  of  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee  were 
grouped  so  as  to  present  a  strong  front  to  the 
enemy  in  that  direction.  Substantial  defenses 
were  constructed,  occupying  a  considerable  por- 
tion of  the  time  allotted  for  rest.  From  Deoatur, 
on  the  left,  to  the  west  of  Atlanta,  our  forces  were 
disposed  for  effective  resistance  against  any  attempt 
to  re-occupy  the  city. 

Owing  to  the  diminished  strength  of  the  various 
commands,  a  consolidation  of  the  Divisions  was 
ordered.  The  left  wing  of  the  Sixteenth  Corps 
was  distributed  to  the  Fifteenth  and  Seventeenth 
Corps,  one  Division  being  assigned  to  each.  The 
organization  of  the  Fourth  Division,  Fifteenth 
Corps,  was  broken  up,  on  the,  15th  of  September. 
Tne  two  Brigades  were  assigned  to  the  First  and 
Second  Divisions,  the  First  Brigade,  excepting  our 
Regiment,  to  Hazen's  Division,  and  the  Second  to 


CAMP  AT   EAST   POINT.  245 

Osterhaus'  Division.  The  Regiment  was  detached 
from  its  command,  and  assigned  to  the  First  Bri- 
gade of  the  First  Division,  consisting  of  the 
Twenty-sixth  Iowa,  Seventy-sixth  Ohio,  Twenty- 
seventh,  Twenty-ninth,  and  Thirty-first  Missouri, 
and  Twelfth  Indiana,  Colonel  Smith,  of  the 
Twenty-sixth  Iowa,  commanding.  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral Charles  F.  Woods  was  temporarily  in  com- 
mand of  the  Division,  and  Major  General  Osterhaus 
in  command  of  the  Corps,  during  General  Logan's 
absence  in  Illinois. 

Thus  terminated  the  history  of  the  Division  with 
which  we  had  served  almost  two  years.  It  had 
made  a  noble  record,  and  many  regrets  were  ex- 
pressed at  its  disorganization.  During  the  cam- 
paign just  closed  it  had  rendered  important 
service,  and  all  felt  proud  of  their  connection  with 
the  Division.  By  its  disbandment  General  Har- 
row was  left  without  a  command,  and  was  not 
again  assigned  to  duty  in  the  army  under  Sherman. 

Atlanta  and  the  surrounding  country  presented 
a  scene  of  desolation  rarely  witnessed.  The 
marks  of  our  shells  were  visible  in  the  suburbs  of 
the  city,  on  the  north,  east,  and  west  sides,  while 
the  fields  and  forests  were  cut  up  by  lines  of  forti- 
fications or  trampled  by  the  enemy.  The  desola- 
tion increased  on  the  arrival  of  our  forces,  who 
were  allowed  to  remove  unoccupied  buildings  for 
the  construction  of  comfortable  quarters. 


246  VICKSBCRG   TO   RALEIGH. 

Hood's  army  held  a  position  in  our  front  at 
Rough  and  Ready.  An  arrangement  was  effected 
between  the  respective  commanders  for  an  ex- 
change of  prisoners,  which  resulted  in  the  return 
of  several  thousand  of  those  captured  during  the 
campaign.  Among  these  a  number  returned  to 
the  Regiment,  including  Captain  Huston  and 
Lieutenant  Alfont,  of  Company  G.  The  citizens 
of  Atlanta  were  at  the  same  time  removed  beyond 
our  lines,  by  order  of  General  Sherman.  Hood 
inveighed  bitterly  against  the  measure,  as  one  of 
great  cruelty.  The  correspondence  upon  this  sub- 
ject between  Sherman  and  Hood  was  illustrative 
of  .the  spirit  of  the  men,  and  of  the  different 
aspects  in  which  they  regarded  the  question  of 
privileges  due  to  citizens  of  a  rebellious  city. 
Atlanta  was  designed  solely  for  military  occupa- 
tion, and  the  support  of  hostile  citizens  might  pro- 
perly be  imposed  upon  the  enemy  within  his  own 
lines,  as  no  other  alternative  was  left  the  Govern- 
ment, unless  it  should  supply  them  from  the  Com- 
missary Department,  which  would  have  been  both 
unwise  and  unjust. 

The  Atlantic  and  "Western  Railroad,  which  had 
been  re-opened  to  the  rear  of  our  lines  in  August, 
was  at  once  repaired,  and  supplies  were  accumulate 
ing  rapidly  at  Atlanta,  during  the  month  of  Sep- 
tember, in  anticipation  of  a  new  campaign  in  the 


CAMP    AT    EAST    POINT.  247 

fall.  All  was  activity  on  the  line  of  communica- 
tion thence  to  Nashville,  the  hostile  armies  mean- 
while preparing  for  the  renewal  of  the  conflict, 
both,  as  the  events  of  the  following  month 
indicated,  meditating  offensive  operations. 

The  success  of  our  cause  in  the  West  was  coin- 
cident with  vigorous  and  persevering  efforts  in  the 
East.  Grant  had  pushed  Lee  from  the  Rapidan 
back  upon  Richmond,  after  a  series  of  fearful  con- 
flicts, and,  crossing  the  James,  had  placed  his 
army  in  front  of  Petersburg,  the  strong  outpost  .of 
the  rebel  capital,  the  possession  of  which  must 
result  in  the  evacuation  of  Richmond.  The  two 
armies  under  Lee  and  Johnston  had  been  so  busily 
employed  in  resisting  the  advance  of  Grant  and 
Sherman  that  reinforcement  of  either  with  organ- 
ized troops  was  impossible.  The  only  alternative 
left  the  rebel  authorities  was  the  most  vigorous 
enforcement  of  the  conscription  in  the  States  sub- 
ject to  their  control.  With  all  the  aid  thus  ren- 
dered the  progress  of  our  arms  had  proved  irre- 
sistible, and  Atlanta  was  ours,  while  Richmond 
was  invested  by  invincible  hosts. 

While  our  armies  were  thus  surely  accomplish- 
ing the  work  of  suppressing  armed  resistance  to 
the  authority  of  the  Government,  the  people  were 
not  idle.  The  mutual  influence  of  the  loyal 
masses  and  the  troops  in  the  field  was  never  so 
fully  exemplified  as  in  the  events  of  1864.  The 


248  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

spirit  of  opposition  to  the  Administration  had 
breathed  the  life  of  disloyalty  into  the  disappoint- 
ed political  aspirants  of  the  North,  who  sought 
and  formed  an  alliance  offensive  with  repudiated 
military  chieftains  for  the  overthrow  of  the  domi- 
nant war  policy,  and  the  substitution  of  peace 
negotiations,  upon  the  assumed  impossibility  of 
subduing  rebellion  by  force  of  arms.  The  suc- 
cess of  the  well-matured  plans  of  the  opposition 
party  was  to  be  contingent  upon  the  defeat  of  our 
armies,  which  none  better  understood  than  the 
leaders  of  that  party.  In  proportion  to  the  disas- 
ters resulting  to  our  arms  was  the  testimony 
afforded  to  the  truth  of  the  teachings  of  those  who 
claimed  the  name  of  Democrats,  while  in  the  ratio 
of  our  success  was  the  refutation  of  their  teach- 
ings. Hence  it  was  observable,  through  the  secret 
ramifications  of  that  foul  scheme  of  disloyal  men 
in  the  North,  that  reverses  to  our  arms  were  wel- 
comed, while  the  news  of  our  triumphs  fell  sor- 
rowfully on  their  hearts.  The  victory  at  the 
ballot-box  in  November  following  was  the  echo 
of  the  voice  of  triumph  from  the  battle-fields  of 
the  South.  The  hosts  of  freedom  proved  the  in- 
vincibility of  men  armed  in  the  holy  cause  of 
liberty,  and  placed  the  question  so  clearly  before 
the  people  that  the  majority  saw,  in  bold  charac- 
ters, the  refutation  of  the  sophistry  of  secession 


CAMP   AT   EAST   POINT.  249 

sympathizers,  written  in  the  blood  of  heroes  slain 
in  battle. 

Thus  was  the  great  moral  influence  of  the  cam- 
paigns of  1864  made  to  decide  the  scale  of  destiny, 
poised  in  even  balance.  The  extent  of  influence, 
attributable  to  the  great  victory  at  the  ballot-box, 
which  was  exerted  over  the  troops  in  the  field  can 
scarcely  be  estimated.  That  it  was  very  great 
none  can  dispute,  who  saw  the  effect  produced 
upon  the  army  by  the  announcement  of  the  result. 
And  as  Sherman's  army  had  done  much  to  encour- 
age the  people  to  sustain  the  Administration,  none 
rejoiced  more  than  those  veterans,  when,  on 
emerging  from  their  long  march  to  the  sea-coast, 
the  official  announcement  of  the  triumphant  re- 
election of  Abraham  Lincoln  was  made  to  them 
through  the  medium  of  the  press.  Having  sacri- 
ficed so  much  for  their  country,  they  rejoiced  in 
the  assurance  that  it  was  not  to  be  all  in  vain. 

During  this  period  the  Christian  members  of 
the  Regiment  met  each  morning  and  evening  for 
religious  worship.  Many  hours  were  thus  employ- 
ed, which  will  ever  be  dear  to  memory.  The  at- 
tention of  those  attending  these  services  was  such 
as  to  elicit  the  admiration  of  the  soldier's  charac- 
ter. On  such  occasions  thoughts  of  other  days 
and  the  privileges  of  the  sanctuary  were  mingled 
with  thoughts  of  the  present,  when  th'ose  far  away 
continued  to  remember  us  in  their  supplications. 


250  VICKSBURQ   TO    RALEIGH. 

Amid  such  thoughts  all  were  serious,  and  reference 
was  frequently  made  to  home  and  friends  and  the 
influences  exerted  upon  the  soldier  by  those  who 
loved  him,  ard  waited  for  his  return,  while  con- 
tinually committing  him  to  the  keeping  of  a  faith- 
ful Father,  who  cares  for  all  his  children.  Thus 
passed  the  days  of  rest,  which,  to  the  Christian 
soldier,  were  days  of  spiritual  refreshing,  and  to 
some  the  beginning  of  a  new  life. 

The  following  promotions  were  made  at  East 
Point: 

Commissary  Sergeant  Alfred  G.  Lee,  to  Quar- 
termaster, vice  McClellan,  resigned,  to  date  from 
July  4th. 

Orderly  Sergeant  John  M.  Tobias,  Co.  A,  to  1st 
Lieutenant,  vice  Waters,  killed  in  action,  Septem- 
ber 6th,  1864. 

Orderly  Sergeant  Lewis  Murray,  Co.  D,  to  1st 
Lieutenant,  vice  Blackwell,  transferred,  September 
6th,  1864. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  James  Goodnow  resigned, 
September  16th.  1st  Lieutenant  Charles  F. 
Mather,  of  Co.  C,  and  1st  Lieutenant  Samuel 
Shenafelt,  of  Co.  E,  resigned  September  23d,  and 
left  for  home  on  the  26th.  A  number  of  the  offi- 
cers of  the  Regiment  received  leaves  of  absence 
and  returned  to  Indiana,  among  whom  was  Colonel 
Williams,  leaving  Major  Baldwin  in  command. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

PURSUIT  OF  HOOD. 

On  the  1st  of  October  Hood  had  inaugurated  a 
movement  to  our  rear,  designed  to  accomplish  the 
same  result  which  followed  the  advance  of  Bragg 
into  Kentucky  in  1862.  But  another  than  Buell 
was  in  command  of  the  Union  forces,  and  Sher- 
man allowed  his  antagonist  to  cross  the  Chattahoo- 
chee  unopposed,  perceiving  the  great  advantages 
that  might  be  secured  to  our  cause  by  permitting 
the  enemy  to  uncover  our  front.  Hood  moved 
rapidly,  and  struck  the  line  of  our  communica- 
tions at  Big  Shanty,  on  the  4th  of  October,  de- 
stroying several  miles  of  railroad  between  that 
point  and  Allatoona.  On  the  5th  a  furious  assault 
was  made  upon  the  little  garrison  at  the  latter 
place  by  an  entire  Division  of  the  enemy's  forces, 
in  which  the  assailants  weire  repulsed  with  very 
heavy  loss,  our  own  loss  also  being  severe. 


252  VTCKSBURO   TO    RALEIGH. 

In  the  meantime  such  disposition  of  our  forces 
was  made  as  to  insure  a  two-fold  object,  the  reten- 
tion of  Atlanta,  and  the  speedy  pursuit  of  Hood. 
To  secure  the  former,  Major  General  Slocum  was 
instructed  to  contract  the  lines  around  Atlanta, 
and  hold  them,  with  the  Twentieth  Corps.  The 
remaining  Corps — excepting  one  Division  of  the 
Fourteenth,  sent  to  Northern  Alabama — moved 
in  pursuit  of  the  enemy.  The  Army  of  the  Ten- 
nessee marched  from  East  Point,  October  4th, 
crossing  the  Chattahooche  at  Vining's  Station,  and 
occupying  the  works  constructed  during  the  opera- 
tions of  the  army  in  front  of  Kenesaw  Mountain. 
On  the  5th  the  forces  reached  Marietta,  to  find  the 
enemy  had  abandoned  his  fortified  position,  north 
and  west  of  Kenesaw,  and  retired  toward  Rome. 

Our  forces  reached  Rome  on  the  12th.  But  it 
was  not  Hood's  purpose  to  fight,  and  he  again 
moved  forward,  crossing  the  Coosa  below  Rome, 
and  moving  his  main  body  up  the  north  bank  of 
the  Oustanaula  toward  Resaca,  while  keeping  up 
a  feint  in  front  of  Rome.  In  this  movement  he 
was  again  successful,  striking  the  railroad  at 
Resaca  and  Dalton,  capturing  the  garrison  of 
colored  troops  at  the  latter  place,  and  destroying 
the  road  from  Resaca  to  Tunnel  Hill. 

Meanwhile  Thomas  had  been  ordered  forward, 
with  such  forces  as  were  deemed  necessary,  and 
had  occupied  a  strong  position  at  Tunnel  Hill  for 


PURSUIT   OF   HOOD.  253 

the  defense  of  Chattanooga,  preventing  the  ad- 
vance of  the  enemy  beyond  that  point.  Hood  de- 
manded the  surrender  of  the  garrison  at  Resaca, 
which  was  refused  by  Colonel  Weaver,  command- 
ing the  post,  and  the  enemy  prepared  to  attack. 
At  this  critical  moment  the  advance  of  the  Seven- 
teenth Corps  arrived,  and  Hood  withdrew  toward 
Snake  Creek  Gap,  his  only  available  route  of 
retreat.  This  was  on  the  14th  of  October. 

Brisk  skirmishing  continued  during  the  evening 
of  the  14th  and  the  morning  of  the  15th,  the 
enemy  covering  his  retreat  with  a  strong  rear 
guard,  posted  in  our  former  works  at  the  mouth 
of  the  Gap,  while  the  trains  were  passing  through 
and  the  road  was  being  thoroughly  obstructed.  A 
Division  of  the  Fourth  Corps  was  ordered  to  cross 
the  intervening  ridge  from  the  valley  of  the  Ousta- 
naula,  and  cut  off  the  retreat  of  this  force,  but 
failed  to  accomplish  the  object.  The  pursuit  was 
delayed  several  hours  by  the  dense  net-work  of 
fallen  timber  which  the  enemy  had  formed  through 
the  entire  length  of  the  Gap.  It  was  found  more 
convenient  to  cut  a  new  road  than  to  clear  the  old 
one,  and  after  almost  superhuman  effort  the  army 
and  trains  effected  a  passage,  occupying  most  of 
the  night. 

The  enemy  retired  through  Yillanow,  crossing 
Taylor's  Ridge  into  Cane  Creek  Valley,  and  reach- 
ing Lafayette  on  the  16th.  Our  pursuit  was 


254  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

checked  by  a  force  left  to  hold  the  pass  on  Tay- 
lor's Ridge,  which  held  a  commanding  position 
behind  a  strong  barricade  of  rocks.  A  brisk  skir- 
mish occurred  at  this  point.  A  flanking  column 
was  sent  around  and  forced  the  enemy  to  retreat, 
capturing  a  number  of  prisoners. 

The  Regiment  was  also  sent  out  upon  the  right 
flank,  and  reached  the  summit  after  a  devious 
march,  to  find  the  position  had  been  abandoned. 
In  this  delightful  spot  we  camped.  From  our 
position  the  lovely  valley  presented  a  scene  of  in- 
terest to  the  beholder.  From  its  treasures  the 
soldiers  collected  the  greatest  variety  of  delicacies 
ever  brought  into  camp.  That  night  on  Taylor's 
Ridge  has  no  parallel  in  the  record  of  our  experi- 
ence. For  five  miles  in  each  direction  the  valley 
was  scoured  by  foragers,  who  returned  loaded  with 
the  products  of  the  field,  the  garden,  the  orchard, 
the  yard  and  the  pantry.  All  kinds  of  meat, 
vegetables,  apples,  fowls,  honey,  dried  and  preserv- 
ed fruits,  and  jellies,  were  brought  into  camp. 
Amidst  'the  abundance  of  that  rich  valley  the  sol- 
diers reveled  with  delight  after  long  confinement 
to  the  army  rations.  The  scene  presented  by  the 
various  regiments,  as  they-  moved  forward  the 
next  day,  was  amusing.  Nearly  every  man  bore 
with  him  some  of  the  rich  spoils  of  the  previous 
day,  and  it  is  perfectly  safe  to  say  that  each 
regiment  carried  half  a  ton  of  forage. 


X  . 

PURSUIT   OF   HOOD.  255 

The  troops  were  again  in  motion  on  the  evening 
of  the  17th,  camping  at  Lafayette.  The  enemy 
was  moving  rapidly,  and  the  pursuit  was  renewed 
on  the  18th.  Abundance  of  forage  was  found 
along  the  route,  and  the  people  were  stripped  of 
all  means  of  subsistence.  The  only  sympathy 
they  could  get,  when  appealing  to  the  soldiers  to 
spare  them  something,  was :  "  Mr.  Hood  has  cut 
our  cracker  line,  and  you  must  charge  all  this  to 
him.  lie  should  not  have  led  us  through  your 
rich  valleys."  Of  course  the  truth  of  this  was 
manifest,  and  they  doubtless  wished  "  Mr.  Hood" 
had  gone  some  other  route. 

During  the  three  days  ending  October  20t-h  the 
army  marched  forty-four  miles,  reaching  Gaytes- 
ville,  Alabama,  after  a  long  and  severe  night 
march  through  the  mountains.  Here  the  main 
forces  halted,  a  portion  of  the  army  moving  for- 
ward, on  the  21st,  to  Little' River.  The  Fifteenth 
Corps  advanced  to  that  point,  and  sent  out  a  de- 
tachment, on  a  reconnoissance,  on  the  24th,  re- 
turning on  the  26th.  The  enemy  had  crossed  the 
south  point  of  Lookout  Mountain,  and  was  evi- 
dently intending  to  invade  Tennessee  from  North- 
ern Alabama.  His  base  at  Blue  Mountain,  forty 
miles  south  of  our  position,  could  no  longer  be 
available,  and  he  moved  at  once  for  the  line  of 
railroad  south  of  the  Tennessee,  and  finally  estab- 
lished his  base  at  Tuscumbia,  for  offensive  opera- 
tions against  Nashville.  There  we  part  with  our 


256  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

antagonist,  turning  him  over  to  the  tender  mercies 
of  Thomas,  to  whom  General  Sherman  committed 
the  responsibility  of  ending  his  career,  in  which 
he  fulfilled  the  largest  expectations.  In  view  of 
the  career  of  this  dashing  but  unfortunate  Confed- 
erate chieftain,  we  can  but  say,  Poor  Hood !  what 
a  pity  he  had  not  been  fitted  for  service  in  a  better 
cause. 

The  army  remained  in  camp,  on  Little  River 
and  at  Gaylesville,  till  October  29th,  awaiting  the 
arrival  of  supplies  from  Home,  whither  the  trains 
were  sent  on  the  22d.  A  considerable  amount  of 
surplus  baggage  had  been  sent  to  Chattanooga, 
from  Surnmerville,  on  the  19th,  and  the  sick  had 
been  sent  with  these  trains.  Samuel  McClain,  of 
Company  C,  was  sent  to  Chattanooga,  where  he 
died,  October  30th. 

The  Army  of  the  Tennessee  and  the  Fourteenth 
Corps  commenced  the  return  march  to  Atlanta  on 
the  29th,  leaving  the  Fourth  and  Twenty-third 
Corps  to  confront  Hood  on  his  advance  into  Ten- 
nessee. The  route  of  march  from  Little  River  ran 
through  Cedar  Bluff,  Cave  Spring  and  Cedar 
Town.  The  fertile  valleys  afforded  the  usual  ad- 
dition to  the  scanty  rations,  till  we  approached  the 
scene  of  operations  during  the  late  campaign, 
when  the  most  persevering  effort  was  unrewarded. 
Nothing  was  left  in  the  region  of  hostilities,  and 
most  of  the  inhabitants  had  been  forced  to  leave 
to  obtain  supplies. 


PUBSUIT   OF  HOOD.  257 

On  the  5th  of  November  the  troops  reached  the 
railroad,  at  Smyrna  Camp  Ground,  six  miles  south 
of  Marietta,  where  they  were  supplied  for  the 
great  campaign  before  them.  Payment  was  made 
for  eight  months,  ending  with  August,  and  every- 
thing was  in  readiness  for  the  forward  movement 
on  the  10th  of  November. 

Most  of  the  absent  officers  returned  to  the  Regi- 
ment. Colonel  Williams  had  been  detailed  as  a 
member  of  the  Military  Commission  ordered  to 
convene  at  Indianapolis,  and  Major  Baldwin 
continued  in  command. 

Orderly  Sergeant  George  H.  Williams,  of  Com- 
pany C,  and  Sergeant  John  H.  Rusie,  of  Company 
E,  were  promoted  to  First  Lieutenants,  November 
9th,  to  fill  the  vacancies  occasioned  by  the 
resignation  of  Lieutenants  Mather  and  Shenafelt. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

THE  SAVANNAH  CAMPAIGN. 

The  greatest  movement  of  the  war  was  about  to 
be  inaugurated,  under  the  most  favorable  auspices. 
Hood  had  pushed  so  far  northward  that  effective 
pursuit  of  Sherman  was  impossible,  while  Lee 
could  afford  no  relief  to  the  endangered  lines  of 
communication.  The  forces  in  the  field  in  Georgia 
were  limited  to  the  small  command  of  Hardee, 
which  consisted  chiefly  of  State  troops,  wholly 
unused  to  service.  General  alarm  prevailed  in  the 
interior  when  Sherman's  purpose  became  known, 
and  urgent  demands  were  made  upon  the  rebel 
authorities,  by  Governor  Brown,  for  assistance. 
But  all  was  in  vain.  The  desperate  effort  of  Hood 
to  outflank  and  compel  the  retreat  of  his  antagon- 
ist had  proved  to  be  a  pit  dug  for  himself  and  the 
cause  he  served.  It  was  precisely  what  General 
Sherman  desired,  and  it  was  reported,  at  the  time 
the  enemy  moved  to  the  rear,  that  he  remarked, 


THE   SAVANNAH   CAMPAIGN.  259 

"  I  have  never  said,  I  had  got  Hood  where  I  want- 
ed him,  but  I  will  say  so  now,  and  I  will  give  him 
rations  if  he  will  go  to  the  Ohio."  The  result 
proved  the  great  advantage  secured  to  our  arras 
by  that  hazardous  attempt  to  force  Sherman  to 
retreat  from  Atlanta.  The  temporary  suspension 
of  communications  had  not  endangered  our  army, 
as  supplies  had  accumulated  at  Atlanta  sufficient 
to  subsist  the  troops  until  the  railroad  could  be 
repaired. 

General  Sherman  resolved  to  make  his  presence 
felt  in  the  heart  of  the  enemy's  territory,  and  began 
the  work  of  destruction  to  public  property  before 
leaving  Atlanta.  Having  removed  the  Govern- 
ment property  to  Chattanooga,  and  sent  the  sick 
to  the  rear,  he  boldly  cut  his  own  communications 
with  his  base  of  supply,  and,  like  Cortez,  com- 
menced his  forward  movement  through  an  enemy's 
country.  The  anxieties  of  the  people  in  the  loyal 
States  were  aroused  for  his  safety,  and  the  prevail- 
ing theme  of  conversation  in  social  circles  was  the 
condition  of  Sherman  and  his  army  in  the  heart  of 
the  Southern  Confederacy.  For  a  period  of  forty 
days  the  only  knowledge  of  progress  was  derived 
from  the  rebel  press,  which  boasted  of  the  plans 
laid  for  his  destruction  before  he  could  reach  the 
coast. 

The  right  wing  consisted  of  the  Army  of  the 
Tennessee,  under  Major  General  Howard,  and  the 


260  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

left  wing  of  the  Army  of  Georgia  under  Major 
General  Slocum.  The  former  moved  from  Alanta 
on  the  line  of  the  Macon  Railroad,  while  the  latter 
diverged  to  the  left,  moving  in  the  direction  of 
Augusta,  the  several  Corps  and  Divisions  moving 
upon  -different  roads,  within  supporting  distance, 
thus  sweeping  over  a  belt  of  country  nearly  forty 
miles  in  width. 

The  Army  of  the  Tennessee  destroyed  the  public 
property  at  Marietta  and  the  railroad  thence  to  the 
Chattahoochee,  the  Fourteenth  Corps  destroying 
the  road  from  Kingston  to  Marietta,  and  the  Twen- 
tieth Corps  completing  the  work  of  destruction 
from  the  river  to  Atlanta,  and  the  depots,  machine- 
shops,  hotels,  and  the  business  portion  of  the  town. 
The  scene  presented  in  the  burning  of  Atlanta, 
as  viewed  from  the  summit  of  Stone  Mountain, 
must  have  been  fearful  to  contemplate.  For  miles 
in  every  direction  the  country  was  lighted  up  with 
the  glare  of  the  midnight  carnival  of  flame.  The 
place  was  rendered  comparatively  valueless  as  a 
centre  of  military  operations,  by  the  complete 
destruction  of  the  several  railroads  leading  to  Chat- 
tanooga, Augusta,  Montgomery,  and  Macon,  and 
by  the  burning  of  the  city. 

The  work  of  destruction  from  Kingston  to  At- 
lanta was  completed  on  the  14th  of  November, 
and  on  the  15th  the  army  moved  upon  its  course. 
The  right  wing  crossed  the  Chattahoochee  on  the 


THE   SAVANNAH   CAMPAIGN.  261 

13th,  and  camped  on  the  south  of  Atlanta,  moving 
to  Jonesboro  on  the  15th,  a  distance  of  twenty-one 
miles,  and  reaching  McDonough,  Henry  County, 
on  the  16th.  From  this  latter  date  the  army  mov- 
ed through  a  region  of  country  never  before  visited 
by  hostile  forces,  and  forage  of  all  kinds  was 
abundant,  of  which  all  availed  themselves.  A 
limited  amount  of  subsistence  was  provided  for 
such  a  campaign,  and  this  was  carefully  husbanded 
during  the  early  part  of  the  period  occupied  in  this 
memorable  march,  while  passing  through  a  fertile 
region.  Subsequently,  on  reaching  the  pine  region 
between  the  Oconee  and  the  Ogeechee,  the  army 
relied  wholly  upon  the  supplies  brought  from 
Atlanta. 

The  stories  related  by  the  soldiers,  who  partici- 
pated in  this  delightful  stroll  through  the  beautiful 
valleys  and  vast  pine  forests  of  Central  and  Eastern 
Georgia,  are  full  of  interest,  and  would  constitute 
a  volume  of  thrilling  incidents.  The  people  along 
the  route,  alarmed  for  the  safety  of  their  provi- 
sions, and  the  more  valuable  articles  of  household 
use  or  ornament,  concealed  them  in  the  earth  and  in 
the  woods.  Almost  invariably  these  hidden  stores 
were  discovered  and  appropriated  by  the  soldiers. 
Money — not  only  the  worthless  Confederate 
notes — but  gold  and  silver,  watches,  jewelry,  costly 
apparel,  and  all  sorts  of  trinkets,  with  immense 


262  VICKSBURO  TO   RALEIGH. 

stores  of  bacon  were  thus  collected  on  that  memor- 
able march.  The  appearance  of  fresh  earth,  in  the 
fields  or  the  forest,  was  the  signal  for  diligent 
search,  which  never  failed  to  bring  to  light  some 
buried  treasure.  In  one  instance  a  considerable 
amount  of  jewelry,  with  gold  and  silver  coin,  was 
found  in  a  small  box,  hidden  in  a  brush-heap  near 
where  the  troops  were  encamped.  All  the  luxuries 
of  the  planters  were  freely  appropriated  for  use  iii 
camp,  aud  no  army  ever  fared  better  than  that  of 
General  Sherman  in  this  campaign.  While  all  was 
uneasiness  and  anxiety  .in  the  public  mind  at  the 
North,  these  men  who  had  fought  and  chased  the 
enemy,  under  Johnston  and  Hood,  more  than 
seven  hundred  miles,  now  found  an  unobstructed 
pathway  opened  to  them  through,  the  finest  region 
of  Georgia.  They  had  no  need  of  the  generous 
donations  which  the  friends  at  home  would  have 
gladly  made  them — as  they  made  for  the  army  in 
front  of  Petersburg — to  enable  them  to  celebrate 
the  approaching  holidays.  To  them  the  months 
of  November  and  December  were  a  succession  of 
feasts  on  flesh  and  fruit,  and  all  the  dainties  that 
heart  could  wish. 

'  On  the  18th  of  November  the  Fifteenth  Corps 
reached  Indian  Springs,  twenty-four  miles  from 
McDonough.  Crossing  the  Ocmulgee  on  the  19th, 
the  right  wing  moved  to  the  south  of  Milledgeville 
on  the  21st,  while  the  left  wing  occupied  that  city. 


THE   SAVANNAH  CAMPAIGN.  263 

The  cavalry  of  the  enemy  attacked  the  train  on  the 
21st,  hut  were  soon  repulsed,  and  the  troops  moved 
forward  to  the  Central  Georgia  Railroad,  eight 
miles  east  of  Macon. 

On  the  22nd  the  First  Division  was  employed  in 
destroying  the  railroad,  when  the  Second  Brigade 
was  attacked,  at  Griswoldville,  hy  a  superior  force 
of  infantry  from  Macon.  The  veterans  of  Wal- 
cott's  Brigade  maintained  their  well-earned  reputa- 
tion, pouring  in  a  destructive  fire  upon  the  enemy. 
But  the  superiority  of  the  assailants  enabled  them 
to  extend  their  lines,  covering  the  right  flank,  and 
the  Twelfth  Indiana  was  ordered  up  as  a  support. 
The  Regiment  moved  forward  to  the  scene  of  action 
on  the  double  quick,  and  reached  the  ground  in 
time  to  meet  and  check  the  advancing  foe,  who, 
finding  the  flank  protected  by  re-inforcements,  and 
meeting  an  obstinate  resistance  in  the  front,  with- 
drew toward  Macon,  leaving  his  dead  and  wounded 
on  the  field.  The  troops  engaged  in  this  charge 
upon  a  small  force  of  veterans  was  composed 
chiefly  of  State  militia.  Four  hundred  of  their 
number  were  left  upon  the  field,  among  whom 
were  grey-haired  men  and  beardless  boys,  who  had 
been  forced  into  the  service  of  the  exhausted  Con- 
federacy. Our  loss  was  very  slight  in  this  engage- 
ment. The  Regiment  suffered  no  loss,  though 
under  fire  from  half-past  four  till  dark. 


264  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

This  engagement  was  the  only  one  that  marked 
the  progress  of  the  army  from  Atlanta  to  the  rear 
of  Savannah.  The  left  wing  occupied  Milledge- 
ville,  unopposed,  and  after  destroying  the  military 
stores  abandoned  the  place.  Governor  Brown  and 
the  Legislature  fled  on  the  approach  of  the  army, 
greatly  chagrined  at  the  humiliation  of  the  Empire 
State  of  the  South  by  the  occupation  of  its  Capital 
without  the  least  resistance.  The  maledictions  of 
the  Governor  upon  the  Confederate  authorities 
were  loud  and  prolonged,  and  on  the  withdrawal  of 
Hardee  from  Savannah  into  South  Carolina,  he 
demanded  and  secured  the  return  of  the  State 
troops,  resolved  that  Georgia  should  not  aid  in  the 
defense  of  those  States  that  had  not  rallied  to  her 
aid  in  the  hour  of  her  peril.  Ever  after  Governor 
Brown  was  a  source  of  trouble  to  Jeff.  Davis  and 
his  advisers. 

The  army  moved  forward  on  the  23rd,  fortifying 
on  the  right  to  resist  attack,  but  no  enemy  made 
his  appearance.  On  the  24th  the  Corps  reached 
Irwinton,  crossing  the  Ocon^e  on  the  26th,  the 
Ohoopee-on  the  29th,  and  reaching  the  Ogeechee, 
December  2nd.  On  the  3rd  the  First  Brigade 
crossed  the  river,  destroying  one  mile  of  the  Au- 
gusta and  Savannah  Railroad,  below  Millen — the 
other  troops  being  similarly  employed — and  re- 
turned to  camp  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river. 


THE    SAVANNAH   CAMPAIGN.  265 

Millen  was  visited  by  the  left  wing,  and  suffi- 
cient evidence  obtained  of  the  terrible  cruelties 
practiced  upon  our  prisoners  by  the  rebel  authori- 
ties. The  recital  of  deeds  which  would  shame 
barbarians  is  too  harrowing  for  repetition.  Hence- 
forth the  names  of  Andersonville,  Florence,  Millen 
and  Salisbury,  will  be  linked  in  memory  with  those 
of  Libby  Prison  and  Belle  Isle,  as  the  monuments 
of  cruelty  reared  by  the  most  gigantic  despotism 
the  world  ever  witnessed.  Thank  God  that  the 
Union  cause  has  never  been  marked  by  deeds  of 
cruel  oppression  committed  upon  prisoners  of  war. 

The  march  was  resumed  December  4th.  De- 
fenses were  constructed  of  rails  and  logs  each 
night,  as  a  precautionary  measure.  Occasional 
skirmishes  of  our  advance  with  the  rebel  cavalry 
indicated  the  presence  of  the  enemy  in  our  front, 
but  not  in  sufficient  force  to  impede  the  advance 
of  the  army.  Hardee  was  reported  in  the  vicinity, 
on  the  7th,  inducing  vigilance  in  the  movement  of 
the  forces.  The  right  wing  moved  down  the  west 
side  of  the  Ogeechee,  while  the  left  wing  advanced 
between  that  river  and  the  Savannah.  After  a 
march  of  seventy  miles  down  the  river  a  crossing 
was  effected,  December  10th. 

The  region  lying  between  the  Oconee  and  Ogee-' 
chee  is  a  vast  pine  forest,  presenting  a  desolate 
appearance,  being  almost  uninhabited  except  along 
the  smaller  streams.  At  this  season  of  the  year  it 

M 


266  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

was  a  pleasant  region  for  campaigning — the  roads 
being  in  excellent  condition — and  the  troops 
moved  forward  noislessly  and  rapidly  toward  their 
destination.  The  excitement  of  foraging  and  the 
rich  rewards  of  the  field  and  garden  were  wanting 
here,  and  the  troops  returned  to  the  plain  fare  of  the 
army  ration.  The  effect  of  this  was  manifest  in 
the  constantly  diminishing  supplies,  which  neces- 
sitated the  reduction  of  the  issues  before  reaching 
the  rear  of  Savannah. 

On  the  llth  and  12th  of  December  considerable 
cannonading  occurred  in  our  front,  as  our  advance 
approached  the  strong  position  of  the  enemy  at 
Fort  McAllister.  No  delay  was  allowed  for  the 
strengthening  of  the  fort,  and,  on  the  13th,  the 
Second  Division  of  the  Fifteenth  Corps  was  ordered 
to  advance  upon  the  enemy.  The  charge  was  brief 
and  successful,  resulting  in  the  capture  of  the  posi- 
tion and  the  garrison,  with  a  loss  of  ninety-five, 
killed  and  wounded  in  the  assault.  This  event 
secured  communication  with  the  fleet  awaiting  our 
arrival  in  Ossabaw  Sound.  The  excitement  and 
joy  of  General  Sherman,  on  seeing  the  heroes  of 
Hazen's  Division  in  possession  of  the  only  obstacle 
to  his  ultimate  success,  knew  no  bounds.  On  no 
former  occasion  had  he  manifested  so  much  anxiety 
as  when  watching  the  advance  of  the  forces  upon 
Fort  McAllister.  The  supplies  brought  from  At- 
lanta were  exhausted,  and  no  alternative  was  pre- 
sented but  to  fight  for  communication  with  the 


THE   SAVANNAH    CAMPAIGN.  267 

fleet.  As  the  stars  and  stripes  were  flung  to  the 
breeze  from  the  ramparts  where  the  Confederate 
flag  had  so  long  waved,  he  exclaimed,  "  Boys,  the 
cracker  line  is  opened,"  and  at  once  started  to  meet 
General  Foster,  who  was  awaiting  the  auspicious 
moment  on  his  flag-ship  below. 

In  a  short  time  General  Sherman  was  in  consul- 
tation with  General  Foster,  and  supplies  were  at 
once  ordered  forward  to  the  army.  The  accumu- 
lated mail  of  the  last  month  was  also  waiting  the 
opening  of  communications,  and  was  soon  after 
received  by  the  rejoicing  troops.  In  a  single  month 
an  army  of  sixty  thousand  men  had  moved  a  dis- 
tance of  three  hundred  and  fifty  miles  through  an 
enemy's  country,  with  but  two  slight  engagements, 
and  secured  a  permanent  base  for  offensive  opera- 
tions against  an  important  sea-port  of  the  enemy. 

The  news  of  the  glorious  result  filled  the  land 
with  joy,  and  the  prospect  of  success  was  more 
encouraging  than  ever  before.  The  Confederacy 
was  severed  at  its  vital  point,  by  the  thorough  work 
of  destruction  along  the  several  lines  of  railroad, 
rendering  all  communication  with  the  Gulf 
States — for  the  supply  of  the  rebel  army  under 
Lee — impossible  for  months  to  come.  The  certain 
prospect  of  occupying  Savannah  gave  new  vigor 
to  hope,  and  the  fame  of  Sherman  had  reached  the 
climax.  What  military  critics  in  Europe  had  pro- 
nounced impossible  of  accomplishment  had  been 


268  VICKSBURQ   TO   RALEIGH. 

effected  in  a  remarkably  brief  period,  securing 
results  whose  value  could  scarcely  be  estimated, 
and  with  a  loss  of  less  than  five  hundred  men  in 
an  army  of  sixty  thousand.  The  internal  weak- 
ness of  the  Confederacy  had  been  strikingly  dem- 
onstrated, and  its  ultimate  fate  none  could  longer 
doubt. 

To  add  to  the  general  joy  the  fate  of  Hood  had 
been  decided  in  Middle  Tennessee,  and  his  shat- 
tered  army  was  flying  before  the  victorious  forces 
tinder  Thomas.  The  late  defiant  army  that  had 
opposed  our  progress  from  Dalton  to  Atlanta — 
when  forced  to  abandon  that  stronghold — had 
moved  boldly  and  confidently  to  our  rear,  thus 
giving  us  speedy  triumph,  in  the  possession  of  Sa- 
vannah and  the  control  of  the  entire  region  of  the 
Gulf  States. 

It  now  only  remained  to  invest  and  reduce  Sa- 
vannah, for  which  purpose  the  army  was  at  once 
disposed,  after  the-  opening  of  communications. 
Our  lines  were  advanced,  and  brisk  artillery  firing 
and  skirmishing  continued  for  several  days.  The 
Regiment  was  on  the  picket  line  on  the  14th  and 
17th,  but  no  casualties  occurred. 

Hardee  occupied  Savannah  with  a  force  of  about 
fifteen  thousand  men,  mostly  militia.  The  impos- 
sibility of  holding  his  position  against  assault  and 
the  danger  of  losing  his  only  remaining  line  of 
retreat,  by  our  possession  of  the  east  bank  of  the 


THE    SAVANNAH    CAMPAIGN.      .  269 

Savannah  River,  induced  him  to  evacuate  the  city 
on  the  night  of  December  20th.  Had  he  delayed 
two  days  longer  his  escape  would  have  been  impos- 
sible, and  was  only  effected  at  all  in  consequence 
of  the  difficulty  of  operating  on  the  offensive  in 
the  swampy  region  bordering  upon  the  Savannah. 
The  army  occupied  the  city  on  the  21st,  finding 
twenty-five  thousand  bales  of  cotton,  which,  with 
one  hundred  and  fifty  guns  and  the  city  itself,  con- 
stituted General  Sherman's  "Christmas  Gift,"  to 
President  Lincoln,  in  behalf  of  the  people  of  the 
United  States. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

THE  SOUTH  CAROLINA  CAMPAIGN. ' 

Savannah  was  occupied  and  held  by  Geary's 
Division  of  the  20th  Corps,  the  rest  of  the  troops 
camping  around  the  city.  A  period  of  three 
weeks  was  spent  here,  the  recollection  of  which 
will  ever  be  pleasant  to  those  who  shared  in  the 
quiet  rest  of  that  beautiful  Southern  city.  Though 
midwinter,  the  verdure  of  the  live-oak  presented 
the  appearance  of  the  early  spring  time,  and  the 
air  was  balmy  as  that  of  May  in  our  Northern  lati- 
tude. The  days  sped  rapidly  by,  while  busy  pre- 
parations for  a  new  campaign  into  South  Carolina, 
for  the  possession  of  Charleston,  were  everywhere 
observable. 

The  Army  of  the  Tennessee  was  ordered  to 
Beaufort,  S.  C.,  by  water,  and  removed  to  that 
place  early  in  January,  while  the  left  wing  at- 
tempted to  move  up  the  coast,  along  the  line  of 
the  Charleston  and  Savannah  Railroad.  The 


SOUTH    CAROLINA   CAMPAIGN.  271 

Seventeenth  Corps  arrived  at  Beaufort,  followed 
by  the  Fifteenth  Corps,  on  the  10th  of  January. 
The  left .  wing-  crossed  the  Savannah  about  the 
same  time,  when  heavy  rains  set  in  and  rendered 
the  advance  of  troops  and  trains  through  the  low- 
lands impossible,  and  the  Fourteenth  and  Twen- 
tieth Corps  were  forced  to  return  to  Savannah. 
This  misfortune  greatly  retarded  the  operations  of 
the  army. 

Meanwhile  the  Seventeenth  Corps  advanced 
from  Beaufort  to  the  mainland,  and  occupied 
Pocotaligo — after  a  slight  engagement  on  the  17th 
of  January.  The  Fifteen  Corps  arrived  at  Beau- 
fort on  the.  llth,  and  remained  in  camp  on  the 
Island  till  the  19th,  at  which  time  the  First  Bri- 
gade of  Hood's  Division  removed  to  Gardner's 
Corners,  fourteen  miles  inland. 

AYhile  at  Beaufort  the  Regiment  received  an  as- 
signment of  recruits  numbering  nearly  two  hun- 
dred men,  of  whom  one  hundred  and  fifty  reached 
the  command  January  12th,  and  were  subsequently 
assigned  to  the  several  Companies. 

The  following  promotions  were  made  during 
this  period: 

Major  Baldwin  to  Lieutenant  Colonel,  vice 
Goodnow,  resigned,  January  6th,  1865. 

1st  Lieutenant  Robert  Alfont,  Co.  G,  to  Cap- 
tain, vice  Huston,  deceased,  to  date  from  January 
1st,  1865. 


272  VICKSBUKG   TO    KALEIGH. 

2nd  Lieutenant  Ralph  Copper,  Co.  G,  to  1st 
Lieutenant,  vice' Alfont,  promoted,  to  date  from 
January  1st,  1865. 

1st  Lieutenant  Lemuel  Hazzard,  Co.  I,  to  Cap- 
tain, vice  Anderson,  deceased,  to  date  from 
January  1st,  1865. 

Orderly  Sergeant  Anderson  Andrew,  Co.  I  to 
1st  Lieutenant,  vice  Hazzard,  promoted,  to  date 
from  January  1st,  1865. 

Colonel  Williams  and  Chaplain  Gage  joined 
the  Regiment  January  22d,  via  New  York,  the 
former  having  been  absent  since  September  17tb, 
and  the  latter  since  November  9th.  Colonel  Wil- 
liams assumed  command  on  the  day  after  his  ar- 
rival. Quartermaster  Lee  resigned  his  position 
on  the  15th  of  January,  and  Lieutenant  Hubbard, 
of  Company  F,  was  detailed  as  A.  Q.  M. 

General  Logan  returned  to  Savannah  in  Jan- 
uary, and  resumed  command  of  the  Fifteenth 
Corps.  General  Osterhaus  was  ordered  to  Mis- 
souri, and  Brevet  Major  General  Charles  F.  Woods 
was  appointed  to  permanent  command  of  the  First 
Division.  Colonel  William  B.  Woods,  of  the 
Seventy-sixth  Ohio,  was  appointed  Brevet  Major 
General,  and  assigned  to  command  the  First  Bri- 
gade, superseding  Colonel  Smith  on  the  23d  of 
January,  who  at  once  tendered  his  resignation. 

Captain  Lenfesty,  of  Company  C,  had  been  act- 
ing as  Picket  Officer,  on  Colonel  Smith's  staft', 


SOUTH   CAROLINA  CAMPAIGN.  273 

during  the  Savannah  campaign,  and  was  retained 
in  that  position  on  the  staff  of  General  Woods. 
Adjutant  Parks  was  also  detailed  as  Aid-de-camp, 
and  First  Lieutenant  Copper,  of  Company  C,  was 
detailed  as  Adjutant,  January  23d. 

During  the  latter  part  of  January  the  left  wing 
of  the  army  was  moving  up  the  west  side  of  the 
Savannah,  to  Lister's  Ferry.  The  Fourth  Divi- 
sion of  the  Fifteenth  Corps,  under  Major  General 
J.  M.  Corse,  which  had  been  left  at  Savannah, 
moved  with  General  Slocum's  command,  and 
joined  the  Corps  on  reaching  the  South  Carolina 
Railroad. 

On  the  30th  the  right  wing  advanced  from 
Pocotaligo,  the  Seventeenth  Corps  on  the  extreme 
right,  with  its  right  flank  resting  on  the  Comba- 
hee,  while  the  Fifteenth  Corps  moved  forward 
with  its  left  on  Coosawhatchie.  "When  the  left 
wing  had  Crossed  the  Savannah  the  army  held  the 
entire  region  between  that  river  and  the  Comba- 
hee.  The  force  moving  into  the  heart  of  South 
Carolina  was  somewhat  larger  than  that  with 
which  General  Sherman  marched  through  Geor- 
gia. Large  numbers  of  convalescents  and  recruits 
had  been  received,  while  others  had  been  discharg- 
ed on  the  expiration  of  their  term  of  service,  and 
all  that  were  enfeebled  had  been  left  behind.  The 
accessions  had,  however,  exceeded  the  losses,  and 
the  strength  of  the  avenging  force  was  not  far 
below  seventv  thousand  men. 


274  VICKSBURQ  TO   RALEIGH. 

Our  course  was  marked  by  the  burning  dwell- 
ings and  out-houses  of  the  wealthy  planters,  who 
had  fled  on  our  approach.  On  the  evening  of 
the  first  day's  march  the  column  halted  at  Mc- 
Phersonville,  five  miles  north  of  Pocotaligo,  where 
the  First  Division  remained  in  camp  during  the 
ensuing  day.  This  little  town  lay  nestled  among 
pines  of  almost  a  century's  growth,  which  covered 
a  large  cotton  plantation,  abandoned  on  account 
of  sterility.  Tens  of  thousands  of  acres,  once 
under  cultivation,  are  now  surrendered  to  the  re- 
storing hand  of  nature.  Pines,  in  all  stages  of 
growth,  from  the  short  to  the  tall  stately  tree, 
stand  among  the  cotton  rows  of  former  planta- 
tions. This  is  the  Southern  mode  of  cultivation, 
under  the  influence  of  slavery,  the  very  ground 
being  cursed  in  consequence  of  the  sin  of  the  peo- 
ple. !N"o  effort  is  made  to  recruit  the  waste  of  pro- 
ductive elements,  in  the  light  soil  of  the  vast  pine 
region  of  the  Carolinas,  by  the  use  of  fertilizers, 
but  when  old  fields  are  exhausted  they  are  given 
up  to  the  invigorating  power  of  nature,  while  new 
tracts  are  brought  under  cultivation,  and  after  a 
long  series  of  years  the  new  growth  of  forest  is. 
again  removed,  and  thus  the  careless  round  of 
unrequited  toil  goes  on. 

By  this  process  the  town  of  McPhersonville, 
which  once  stood  among  fields  of  snowy  cotton, 
now  lay  in  the  midst  of  a  vast  pine  forest,  a  curi- 
ous spectacle  to  eyes  accustomed  to  scenes  of 


SOUTH  CAROLINA   CAMPAIGN.  275 

beauty  and  fertility  in  the  vicinity  of  rural  vil- 
lages of  the  North.  A  day  was  spent  in  this  aban- 
doned town,  which,  though  occupied  till  the  recent 
advance  of  our  forces  to  Pocotaligo,  had  been  de- 
serted by  all  its  white  inhabitants.  The  houses 
and  furniture  of  the  wealthier  citizens,  who  proba- 
bly owned  rice  plantations  in  the  adjacent  river 
bottoms,  were  left  to  their  fate,  and  on  the  morn- 
ing of  our  departure  nearly  the  whole  town  was 
consumed  by  tire,  leaving  the  little  church, 
where  we  worshipped  the  previous  day,  and  a  few 
dwellings  amid  the  ruins  of  this  secluded  place. 

On  our  advance,  February  1st,  the  same  scenes 
of  desolation  marked  the  course  of  the  several 
columns,  while  the  people  were  stripped  of  all 
means  of  subsistence,  and  left  in  a  famishing  con- 
dition. The  ubiquitous  cavalry  of  Wheeler,  who 
had  kept  at  a  safe  distance  on  the  march  to  Savan- 
nah, were  again  in  our  front,  but  they  invari- 
ably fled  after  a  few  shots,  and  often  before  our 
advance  could  reach  them  with  their  guns. 

A  slight  skirmish  occurred  at  Hickory  Hill,  on 
the  Coosawhatchie,  February  1st,  with  a  regiment 
of  cavalry  occupying  the  west  bank  of  the  river, 
in  which  two  of  our  advance  were  killed.  The 
troops  camped  at  this  point,  General  Sherman  oc- 
cupying the  abandoned  residence  of  Mrs.  McBride, 
a  wealthy  widow,  who  had  fled  toward  Columbia, 
leaving  her  aged  negroes  in  a  helpless  condition, 


276  VICKSBURG    TO    RALEIGH. 

while  the  able-bodied  were  removed  to  a  place  of 
safety.  This  was  one  of  the  evidences  of  that 
strong  attachment  said  to  exist  between  the  mas- 
ter and  his  chattel,  the  force  of  which  seemed  to 
be  in  proportion  to  the  value  of  the  property. 
Before  General  Sherman  had  left,  the  next  morn- 
ing, the  unoccupied  out-houses  were  in  flames, 
and  he  had  scarcely  seated  himself  in  the  saddle 
when  the  house  was  also  fired.  The  act  was  un- 
authorized, but  none  would  attempt  to  put  out  the 
fire,  and  so  the  rich  widow  was  houseless  on  her 
return.  No  doubt  she  still  anathematizes  the 
Yankees  for  the  wanton  destruction  of  her 
property. 

On  the  3d  of  February  we  entered  Barnwell 
District,  and  moved  toward  the  Big  Salkehatchie, 
at  Buford's  Bridge.  Our  advance  skirmished  with 
"Wheeler's  Cavalry,  while  the  Seventeenth  Corps 
attacked  and  drove  the  enemy  from  a  strong  posi- 
tion on  the  east  bank  of  the  river,  the  troops 
charging  through  water  up  to  the  waist,  in  the 
face  of  a  heavy  fire.  This  movement  uncovered 
the  crossing  at  Buford's  Bridge,  where  the  enemy 
also  held  a  fortified  position,  against  which  our 
forces  must  have  advanced  for  more  than  a  mile, 
through  the  swampy  bottom  overflowed  by  the 
river.  We  reached  this  point  and  crossed  without 
opposition,  on  the  morning  of  February  5th,  after 
constructing  twenty  bridges  which  the  enemy  had 


SOUTH  CAROLINA  CAMPAIGN.        277 

destroyed.  To  effect  this  the  buildings  in  the 
town  of  Buford's  Bridge  were  torn  down  to 
obtain  materials.  In  this  manner  the  enemy 
necessitated  the  destruction  of  many  valuable 
buildings. 

The  thirst  for  burning  was  for  a  time  partially 
appeased  by  the  scenes  of  the  past  few  days,  and 
the  troops  turned  their  attention  to  the  business 
of  foraging,  in  which  they  were  eminently  suc- 
cessful. Provisions  of  all  kinds  were  brought  into 
camp  in  buggies,  barouches,  wagons  and  carts, 
which  were  almost  invariably  burned  before  leav- 
ing camp.  During  the  campaign  thousands  of 
vehicles  of  all  kinds  were  thus  destroyed,  amount- 
ing in  value  to  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars. 
It  was  not  an  uncommon  occurrence  to  see  three 
or  four  valuable  carriages  piled  up  and  burn- 
ing in  the  camp  of  a  single  regiment.  As  we  ad- 
vanced into  the  interior  few  abandoned  dwellings 
were  found,  and  therefore  few  buildings  were 
burned. 

On  reaching  the  Little  Salkehatchie,  February 
6th,  the  Third  Division  in  advance,  a  charge  was 
made  upon  the  enemy  by  the  skirmish  line,  the 
troops  rushing  through  the  stream  with  a  yell,  fir- 
ing as  they  advanced,  and  gaining  the  position, 
with  a  loss  of  seven  men  wounded.  Again  we 
were  delayed  by  obstructions  in  the  road,  and  by 


278  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

the  removal  of  the  bridge,  which  was  soon  re- 
stored and  the  troops  crossed  the  river.  On  the 
7th  the  Fifteenth  Corps  struck  the  South  Carolina 
Railroad,  at  Bamburg,  seventy-six  miles  from 
Charleston  and  sixty-four  from  Augusta,  the 
Seventeenth  Corps  at  the  same  time  reaching  the 
road  at  Midway,  and  the  Fourteenth  and  Twen- 
tieth at  Blackville  and  Graham's,  soon  after.  At 
this  point  we  were  seventy  miles  from  Beaufort, 
which  distance  had  been  accomplished  in  nine  days. 

The  work  of  destruction  was  at  once  commenced, 
and  the  only  line  of  communication  between  Rich- 
mond and  the  Gulf  States  again  severed,  before 
the  portion  destroyed  on  the  march  from  Atlanta 
had  been  repaired.  The  thoroughness  of  the  ruin 
wrought  from  Branchville  to  within  fifteen  miles 
of  Augusta  rendered  the  re-opening  of  the  line 
impossible  for  months  to  come. 

The  rebel  authorities  were  more  perplexed  by  the 
movements  of  the  "  great  flanker  "  than  they  had 
been  during  his  march  to  the  coast.  Charleston 
was  still  held  by  the  forces  under  Beauregard. 
llardee  was  like  a  fox  at  bay,  not  knowing  whither 
to  move.  Hood's  late  army,  now  under  command 
of  Dick  Taylor,  was  at  Augusta  for  the  purpose  of 
re-inforcing  llardee,  and  a  portion  of  the  troops 
had  passed  over  the  railroad  a  few  hours  before  our 
arrival  at  Bamburg,  while  the  main  body  was  cut 
off  at  Augusta  from  all  efficient  co-operation 


SOUTH    CAROLINA   CAMPAIGN.  279 

against  Sherman.  Wade  Hampton  alone  was  in 
our  front,  his  command  including  Wheeler's 
( 'avalry.  In  this  scattered  condition  of  the  enemy's 
forces,  our  movements"  upon  the  South  Carolina 
Railroad,  first  threatening  Charleston  from  Branch- 
ville,  and  then  Augusta  from  the  left — where 
Kilpatrick  was  operating  with  his  usual  activity — 
added  to  the  confusion  prevailing  throughout  the 
Confederacy.  Ignorant  of  our  designs,  and  deceived 
by  our  movements,  all  effort  to  check  our  progress 
was  futile.  Like  a  strong  man  in  communication 
with  a  surcharged  galvanic  battery,  the  en-emy  stood 
trembling  under  the  shock,  anxious  to  avert  the 
further  influences  of  its  power,  but  unable  to  move. 
On  the  llth  of  February  the  army  was  again 
put  in  motion.  The  Seventeenth  Corps  crossed 
both  branches  of  the  Edisto,  striking  the  Columbia 
Branch  of  the  South  Carolina  Railroad  at  Orange- 
burg,  which  was  thoroughly  destroyed,  cutting  the 
communication  between  Charleston  and  Columbia. 
The  Fifteenth  Corps  met  no  resistance  in  crossing 
the  South  Edisto,  and  moved  forward  to  Poplar 
Spring,  in  Orangeburg  District,  on  the  llth.  A 
force  of  the  enemy  was  posted  on  the  North  Edisto 
to  dispute  our  passage,  causing  a  long  delay  on  the 
12th.  The  skirmishers  of  Hazeu's  Division  suc- 
ceeded in  crossing  the  stream  below,  coming  upon 
the  enemy's  flank,  and  driving  him  from  his 
position. 


280  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

On  the  13th  we  crossed  the  river  and  marched 
sixteen  miles,  through  an  uninhabited  pine  region. 
A  vast  turpentine  orchard  extended  for  miles  on 
each  side  of  the  road,  and  stretched  away  to  the 
right  and  left  indefinitely.  In  the  midst  of  this 
forest  the  product  of  the  orchard  was  stored. 
During  the  afternoon  a  dense  volume  of  pitchy 
smoke  was  seen  rising  above  the  inte'rvening  pines 
some  distance  to  the  right.  The  day  was  clear 
and  the  sun  shone  in  its  brightness,  cheering  all 
hearts.  The  cloud  of  smoke  rose  rapidly,  spread- 
ing far  and  wide  over  the  line  of  march,  almost 
obscuring  the  sun,  which  appeared  pale  and  sickly. 
Urged  by  curiosity  we  turned  aside,  with  Dr. 
Lomax,  to  observe  this  singular  conflagration. 
After  riding  vigorously  for  nearly  half  an  hour 
we  reached  the  scene  of  attraction.  Some  of  the 
soldiers  had  discovered  the  accumulated  product 
of  the  orchard,  amounting  to  nearly  a  thousand 
barrels  of  rosin,  and  had  applied  a  match  to  the 
building  in  which  it  was  stored.  The  flames  roared 
fearfully  as  they  broke  forth — like  the  fitful  glare 
of  lightning — from  the  impenetrable  volume  of 
smoke,  which  rose  in  awful  grandeur  toward  the 
heavens.  The  vast  mass  of  rosin,  melted  by  the 
inter se  heat,  had  run  down  the  hill-side,  on  which 
the  store-bouse  stood,  into  a  ravine  through  which 
a  narrow  swamp  stretched  away  toward  the  east. 
Upon  the  surface  of  the  water  a  crust,  of  emerald 


SOUTH  CAROLINA   CAMPAIGN.  281 

hue,  had  formed.  The  fire  had  not  yet  reached 
this  point,  and  a  handful  of  lighted  grass  was 
thrown  upon  the  surface,  igniting  the  combustible 
mass,  and  producing  a  flame  that  leaped  to  the 
highest  tree-tops,  melting  the  branches  like  threads 
of  wax,  and  sending  a  column  of  smoke  aloft  that 
was  awful  to  behold.  Mingled  with  the  roar  and 
crackling  of  the  flames  was  the  hissing  produced 
by  the  commingling  of  the  burning  mass  with  the 
water  beneath.  The  scene  recalled  the  vivid  pic- 
tures of  Dante's  Inferno,  Milton's  Paradise  Lost, 
and  the  Scriptures  of  Divine  truth,  illustrative  of 
the  punishment  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his 
angels. 

The  Fifteenth  Corps  arrived  at  Sandy  Run,  fif- 
teen miles  from  Columbia,  on  the  14th  of  February. 
A  dash  was  made  upon  the  picket  line  in  the 
evening,  and  a  number  of  men  captured,  among 
whom  were  four  of  the  Regiment,  viz :  George  Hahn, 
of  Company  A,  George  "W.  Starr,  of  Company  C, 
"William  H.  Bowen  and  James  Compton  of  Com- 
pany F. 

Our  forces  advanced  the  following  morning, 
skirmishing  with  a  small  force  of  the  enemy,  till 
we  approached  Congaree  Creek,  five  miles  from 
Columbia,  where  a  Brigade  of  Kentucky  rebels 
was  posted,  with  a  strong  skirmish  line  in  front. 
Several  hours  delay  was  occasioned  by  the  resist- 
ance offered,  brisk  skirmishing  continued  at  inter- 
vals during  the  day.  The  Third  Brigade  was 


282  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

sent  around  upon  the  flank  and  forced  the  enemy 
across  the  stream.  His .  attempt  to  destroy  the 
bridge  proved  unsuccessful,  and  the  crossing  was 
effected  during  the  afternoon.  In  the  skirmish 
the  Second  Brigade  lost  a  number  of  men,  killed 
and  wounded. 

At  night  we  occupied  the  high  ground  south  of 
the  Congaree  River,  three  miles  from  Columbia, 
which  was  hidden  from  our  view  by  a  dense  fog. 
A  force  of  rebel  cavalry  formed  in  line,  on  a  ridge 
in  our  front,  and  the  skirmishers  were  advanced, 
while  a  battery  was  planted  and  opened  upon  the 
enemy,  who  quickly  fled,  leaving  us  in  quiet  pos- 
session of  a  large  region  of  cultivated  land,  from 
all  points  of  which  the  Capitol  was  distinctly  visible 
the  next  morning.  The  scene  before  us  was  one 
of  great  beauty,  the  unfinished  structure  of  the 
new  State  Capitol  rising  above  the  surrounding 
mass  of  buildings  in  snowy  whiteness,  and  reflect- 
ing the  soft  light  of  the  morning  sun. 

The  enemy  retired  across  the  Congaree  during 
the  night,  destroying  the  costly  bridge  to  prevent 
pursuit.  The  bridges  over  the  Saluda  and  Broad 
Rivers  were  also  burned,  and  our  advance  delayed. 
The  batteries  of  the  enemy,  posted  on  the  north 
Bide  of  the  river  below  the  city,  opened  upon  us 
in  the  fields,  but  could  not  reach  our  position. 
The  pontoon  train  received  a  furious  shelling  as  it 
moved  up  the  south  bank  of  the  stream,  but  passed 
the  ordeal  in  safetv.  At  10  A.  M.,  February  16th, 


SOUTH   CAROLINA  CAMPAIGN.  283 

our  forces  moved  forward  to  the  river,  opposite 
Columbia,  and  the  batteries  opened  upon  the  city, 
producing  great  consternation  among  the  inhabit- 
ants. No  reply  was  elicited. 

In  the  evening  the  Fifteenth  Corps  took  the 
advance,  moving  up  to  the  crossing  of  the  Saluda, 
where  the  pontoons  were  already  laid,  and  marched 
across  to  the  south  bank  of  Broad  River,  these  two 
streams  uniting  above  Columbia  to  form  Jhe 
Congaree. 

Under  the  cover  of  the  night  a  portion  of  the 
Third  Brigade  crossed  the  Broad  River  in  pon- 
toons, forcing  the  enemy's  pickets  from  the  north 
bank  on  the  morning  of  the  17th,  and  uncovering 
the  crossing*  The  pontoons  were  at  once  laid, 
while  the  Third  Brigade  advanced  toward  the  city 
unopposed.  Mayor  Goodwin  came  out,  with  a  flag 
of  truce,  and  formally  surrendered  the  city  into 
our  possession,  at  10  A.  M.  The  remainder  of  the 
Division,  followed  by  the  other  Divisions  of  the 
Corps,  crossed  during  the  afternoon,  and  moved 
through  the  city,  with  music  and  banners.  The 
Regiment  led  the  column,  on  this  triumphal  march 
through  the  proud  Capital  of  the  Palmetto  State. 
The  troops  camped  north  of  the  city,  while  the 
Third  Brigade  occupied  the  town.  The  Seven- 
teenth Corps  crossed  Broad  River  during  the 
night,  and  the  left  wing  effected  a  crossing  at  a 
point  above. 


284  VTCKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

The  enemy,  under  Wade  Hampton,  had  evacu- 
ated the  city  on  the  previous  day,  and  retired 
toward  Charlotte.  Beauregard  had  been  present, 
and  directed  the  evacuation,  and  had  also  sent 
instructions  to  Hardee,  at  Charleston,  to  abandon 
that  city,  as  our  success  at  Columbia  rendered  it 
useless  to  attempt  to  hold  the  place  longer.  Its 
communications  were  severed  with  Savannah, 
Augusta  and  Columbia,  while  Wilmington  was 
already  environed,  if  not  occupied,  by  our  forces 
under  Terry. 

The  beautiful  city  of  Columbia,  where  the  first 
secession  Convention  met  to  precipitate  the  South- 
ern States  into  rebellion,  suffered  a  terrible  fate  on 
the  night  succeeding  its  occupation  by  our  forces. 
Early  in  the  evening  a  fire  was  discovered  in  the 
heart  of  the  city.  The  wind  was  blowing  strongly 
from  the  south-west,  and  the  flames  spread  rapidly, 
in  spite  of  every  effort  to  check  their  progress. 
The  fire  engines  soon  failed,  and  the  city  was 
abandoned  to  its  inevitable  fate. 

More  than  half  the  city  was  consumed,  including 
the  entire  business  portion,  the  Ursuline  Convent, 
two  Churches,  and  a  large  number  of  costly  resi- 
dences. .  Such  a  scene  we  hope  never  to  witness 
again.  Families  fled  in  dismay  from  their  man- 
sions, with  such  articles  of  value  as  they  could 
carry  with  them,  leaving  all  their  magnificent 
furniture  to  be  destroyed.  No  pen  can  depict  the 


SOUTH   CAEOLINA   CAMPAIGN.  285 

fearful  scene  that  prevailed  through  all  that  long 
night.  The  flames  lighted  up  the  surrounding 
country  with  the  brightness  of  noon-day,  while 
the  roar  of  the  fierce  conflagration  and  the  crash 
of  falling  buildings  spoke  of  the  onward  progress 
of  the  destructive  element.  Many  houses  were 
saved  by  great  exertion,  and  the  fire  was  finally 
checked.  All  night  long  the  troops  stationed  in 
the  city  aided  the  citizens,  who  were  fleeing  from 
their  dwellings,  in  saving  some  of  their  most  val- 
uable effects,  or  labored  for  the  arrest  of  the  con- 
flagration, by  protecting  occupied  buildings  from 
taking  fire.  The  Regiment  worked  faithfully, 
and — forgetful  of  the  enmity  of  the  citizens — 
assisted  them  to  the  utmost  in  the  defense  of 
property,  for  which  they  received  the  thanks  of 
those  they  aided. 

If  has  been  charged  upon  General  Sherman  that 
the  destruction  of  Columbia  was  an  act  of  wanton 
barbarity,  authorized  by  himself.  Nothing  is 
farther  from  the  truth.  The  burning  of  the  city 
was  the  result  of  incendiarism,  and  none  of  the 
military  authorities  contemplated  or  approved  the 
firing  of  any  occupied  buildings,  in  town  or  coun- 
try. It  was  the  sole  purpose  of  General  Sherman 
to  destroy  public  property,  valuable  to  the  interests 
of  the  rebellion.  And  in  the  general  system  of 
foraging  adopted,  as  well  as  in  the  destruction  of 
more  substantial  property,  it  was  not  designed  to 


286  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

produce  individual  suffering,  but  to  diminish  the 
resources  of  the  enemy.  But  acts  of  carelesness 
will  be  committed  by  individuals,  and  the  burning 
of  Columbia  may  be  ranked  in  that  list  of  unau- 
thorized deeds  of  violence  that  mark  the  progress 
of  all  wars. 

The  real  purpose  of  General  Sherman  was 
effected  subsequently,  in  the  complete  destruction 
of  the  depots,  machine-shops,  arsenal,  and  Con- 
federate stores  of  various  kinds.  The  large  collec- 
tion of  tnedical  supplies  abandoned  by  the  enemy 
had  been  destroyed  in  the  burning  of  the  city. 
The  material  for  the  manufacture  of  Confederate 
Treasury  Notes  which  was  exclusively  carried  on 
at  Columbia,  was  only  partial,  the  greater  part  of 
the  machinery  and  paper  having  been  removed. 
Large  quantities  of  imported  paper,  for  the  manu- 
facture of  Cotton  Bonds,  were  destroyed,  and  the 
publishing  establishments  of  Evans  &  Cogswell,  and 
Keating  &  Ball  shared  the  same  fate. 

Among  the  books  published  by  the  former  house 
was  one  entitled  "  Camp  and  Field,  or  Papers  from 
the  Portfolio  of  an  Army  Chaplain,"  by  Joseph 
Cross,  D.  D.,  of  Charleston.  This  book  excelled, 
in  glaring  falsehoods,  all  we  had  ever  seen  in  the 
productions  of  the  rebel  press,  not  excepting  the 
editorials  of  the  Richmond  Examiner,  Enquirer, 
Whig,  and  Dispatch.  The  author  of  this  infamous 
book  was  nursed  in  the  North,  educated  at  Caze- 
novia,  New  York,  and  had  prostituted  his  abilities 


SOUTH  CAROLINA  CAMPAIGN.         287 

to  the  most  shameful  ahuse  of  those  who  had 
imparted  instruction  in  early  manhood  to  this 
English-born  villifier.  The  book  was  doubtless 
designed  to  rouse  the  sinking  courage  and  hope  of 
the  Southern  masses.  In  common  with  the  litera- 
ture of  the  Great  Rebellion,  this  production  of  the 
cultivated  intellect  of  the  South — in  its  subservi- 
ency to  a  vile  system  of  oppression — will  stand, 
in  future  generations,  as  an  evidence  of  barbarism 
in  the  midst  of  civilization. 

The  work  of  destruction  at  Columbia,  and  on 
the  railroads  east,  west,  and  north,  was  completed 
on  the  19th  of  February,  the  left  wing  having  been 
employed  on  the  line  of  the  Charlotte  and  South 
Carolina  Railroad,  the  Seventeenth  Corps  upon  the 
Greenville  Railroad,and  the  Fifteenth  Corps  on  the 
Columbia  Branch  of  the  South  Carolina  Railroad 
and  in  the  city.  In  removing  the  shells  from  the 
arsenal  to  the  river  a  fearful  explosion  occurred, 
killing  a  Captain  and  several  men,  and  shaking 
the  city  like  an  earthquake. 

On  the  20th  of  February  the  army  again  moved 
forward,  none  knowing  whither.  Various  rumors 
prevailed  as  to  our  destination,  most  regarding 
"Wilmington  as  the  probable  objective  point.  The 
enemy  was  led  to  expect  our  advance  upon  Char- 
lotte, toward  which  place  the  left  wing  was  already 
moving,  on  the  evacuation  of  Columbia. 

The  Regiment  was  the  last  of  the  army  to  leave 


288  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

the  desolated  Capital  of  South  Carolina.  Adjutant 
Parks  remained  behind  the  command,  and  was 
captured  by  a  squad  of  rebel  cavalry  who  imme- 
diately entered  the  city  on  our  withdrawal. 
Through  the  assistance  of  a  friendly  citizen  he 
succeeded  in  effecting  his  escape  during  the  ensu- 
ing night,  and  reached  the  command  the  next  day. 

The  right  wing  moved  directly  northward,  reach- 
ing the  Catawba  River  on  the  evening  of  the  22nd, 
having  marched  forty-eight  miles  in  as  many  hours. 
The  left  wing  advanced  as  far  north  as  Winnsboro, 
when  the  whole  army  turned  toward  the  east. 
The  occurrence  of  heavy  rains  delayed  the  cross- 
ing of  the  Fourteenth  Corps  while  the  right  wing 
.  had  effected  a  crossing  at  Peay's  Ferry,  near 
Liberty  Hill,  on  the  morning  of  the  23rd. 

In  attempting  to  swim  his  mule  across  the 
river,  above  the  Ferry,  Samuel  Humble,  of  Com- 
pany F,  was  drowned.  Being  heavily  loaded  he 
sunk  in  full  view  of  his  comrades,  who  could 
render  him  no  assistance. 

The  Corps  advanced  to  Lynche's  Creek,  Febru- 
ary 26th,  where  we  were  delayed  four  days  by  the 
high  water,  which  overflowed  the  ewampy  bottoms 
along  the  Creek  and  rendered  a  passage  impossible. 

The  troops  moved  forward  on  the  2nd  of  March, 
the  Seventeenth  Corps  moved  forward  rapidly  to 
Cheraw,  occupying  that  place  on  the  3rd,  and  tak- 
ing seventeen  pieces  of  artillery,  abandoned  by  the 
enemy  on  his  retreat  across  the  Great  Pedee 


SOUTH   CAROLINA    CAMPAIGN.  289 

Johnston  had  been  placed  in  command  of  all  the 
forces  that  could  be  collected  to  oppose  the  pro- 
gress of  Sherman,  and  had  recently  assumed  com- 
mand at  this  place,  retiring,  as  usual,  on  our 
advance.  On  the  3rd  of  March  the  Fifteenth 
Corps  reached  the  vicinity  of  Cheraw,  and  on  the 
morning  of  the  4th  camped  north  of  the  town> 
having  marched  thirty-five  miles  since  leaving 
Lynche's  Creek. 

A  cavalry  force  was  ordered  to  Florence,  from 
Cheraw,  to  destroy  communications  and  stores, 
there  and  on  the  way.  The  Seventh  and  Ninth 
Illinois,  and  Twenty-seventh  Missouri  Mounted 
Infantry,  and  the  detailed  foragers  of  the  Fifteenth 
Corps  —  the  entire  force  numbering  six  hundred 
men — were  designated  for  the  expedition,  and 
Colonel  Williams  assigned  to  command.  We 
advanced  to  within  four  miles  of  Darlington,  and 
camped  for  the  night.  A  detachment  of  the 
Twenty-ninth  Missouri  was  sent  out,  under  Cap- 
tain Hart,  to  destroy  the  depot  and  supplies  at 
Dove's  Station,  which  was  succesfully  accom- 
plished, together  with  four  passenger,  and  eleven 
freight  cars.  The  supplies  consisted  of  wheat, 
corn,  and  bacon,  in  small  quantities. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  5th  the  force  was 
on  its  way,  reaching  Darlington  at  8  A.  M.,  wher& 
a  detachment  was  left  to  destroy,  the  depot  and 
supplies,  and  the  main  force  pushed  forward  to 


290  VICKSBURG    TO    RALEIGH. 

Florence.  Moving  rapidly  across  the  Wilmington 
and  Manchester  Railroad,  we  reached  the  rear  of 
Florence,  and  made  preparations  for  attack.  The 
enemy  moved  out  to  jneet  us,  engaging  our  skir- 
mishers at  Pettigrew's  plantation,  south  of  the 
town,  and  about  a  mile  distant.  The  line  of  battle 
was  formed  and  advanced,  driving  the  enemy  back 
to  Florence,  where  a  superior  force  of  cavalry  and 
infantry  awaited  our  attack.  The  advance  of  our 
little  band  was  met  and  checked,  in  the  edge  of 
the  town.  A  heavy  fire  was  poured  in  from  the 
front,  while  it  was  ascertained  that  a  force  of 
cavalry  had  been  dispatched  to  our  rear,  for  the 
purpose  of  cutting  oft'  our  retreat, 

Finding  the  place  too  strong  for  assault,  and 
aware  of  the  danger  of  delay,  Colonel  Williams 
at  once  ordered  the  troops  withdrawn,  and  com- 
menced the  return  march  in  good  order  and  with- 
out haste.  Our  loss  was  slight,  most  of  the  wound- 
ed being  brought  off.  We  captured  thirty  prison- 
ers, losing  seven  men  in  wounded  and  missing.  The 
enemy  pursued  vigorously  to  Society  Hill,  where 
he  captured  a  Lieutenant  and  one  private  of  the 
Twenty-ninth  Missouri  the  next  morning.  The 
expedition  reached  Cheraw  on  the  6th,  having 
destroyed  the  depots  at  Darlington  and  Dove's 
Station,  four  hundred  yards  of  trestle  work,  two 
hundred  and  fifty  bales  of  cotton,  fifteen  cars,  and 


SOUTH    CAROLINA    CAMPAIGN.  291 

considerable  quantities  of  supplies.  For  his  ser- 
vices on  this  occasion  Colonel  Williams  received 
the  appointment  of  Brevet  Brigadier  General,  to 
date  from  March  13th,  1865. 

A  fearful  explosion  occurred  at  Cheraw,  on  the 
morning  of  March  6th,  which  shook  the  earth  for 
more  than  thirty  miles.  The  ammunition  aban- 
doned by  the  enemy  had  been  carlessly  thrown 
into  a  deep  ravine  near  town.  Several  J;ons  of 
powder  and  shells  were  left  thus  exposed  to  igni- 
tion. Meanwhile  troops  were  crossing  the  river, 
and  Woods'  Brigade  had  halted  at  this  point, 
awaiting  the  order  to  cross.  The  Regiment  was 
in  close  proximity  to  the  dangerous  spot,  when,  by 
some  unknown  means,  the  whole  mass  exploded, 
filling  the  air  with  fragments  of  shell  and  splinters 
from  buildings  destroyed  by  the  shock.  Forty 
persons  were  killed  and  wounded,  and  many  more 
stunned  by  the  concussion.  Four  of  the  Regiment 
were  injured,  but  none  dangerously. 

The  march  was  resumed  on  the  7th,  and  on  the 
following  day  we  reached  Laurelfiill,  North  Caro- 
lina, in  the  midst  of  a  heavy  rain. 

The  march  from  this  place  was  performed  in  the 
midst  of  almost  insuperable  difficulties.  The  rain 
of  the  previous  day  had  rendered  the  roads  almost 
impassable,  and  on  the  afternoon  of  the  9th  a 
deluge  was  poured  out  upon  the  already  saturated 
earth.  The  roads  were  easily  repaired,  where  rails 


292  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

were  accessible,  the  fences  along  the  line  of  march 
being  used  for  corduroy.  But  on  reaching  a  low, 
swampy,  pine  region,  with  a  deep  quicksand  just 
below  the  surface,  into  which  the  wagons  sunk, 
through  the  yielding  earth,  the  progress  of  the 
trains  was  next  to  impossible.  All  through  that 
long  night  the  troops  toiled  to  extricate  the  wagons 
from  the  mire,  as  one  by  one  they  required  aid, 
and  some  were  hopelessly  engulfed  in  the  sandy 
bed,  where  they  were  left,  after  their  contents  had 
been  destroyed.  Others  were  brought  through  the 
following  morning,  after  such  a  trial  as  even  army 
teamsters  seldom  experience.  A  brief  rest,  on  the 
morning  of  the  10th,  was  succeeded  by  the  renewed 
toils  of  the  march,  but  upon  a  firmer  foundation 
after  crossing  Lumber  River.  But  the  use  of  rails 
was  frequently  necessary,  and  many  a  mile  of  our 
route  was  paved  with  the  fences  of  the  planters, 
who  had  a  fine  opportunity  of  repairing  them  on 
the  return  of  spring. 

The  scene  presented  by  the  refugees,  on  this 
occasion,  was  worthy  of  the  attention  of  an  artist. 
The  more  fortunate,  who  had  secured  comfortable 
carriages  on  leaving  Columbia,  could  pass  the  time 
very  composedly.  But  the  less  favored,  with  jaded 
mules  dragging  dilapidated  buggies,  wagons  and 
carts,  loaded  with  men,  women  and  children,  black 
and  white,  took  very  little  comfort  on  that  dismal 
night.  .  Least  of  all  did  those  poor  women  and 


SOUTH   CAROLINA   CAMPAIGN.  293 

children  on  foot  enjoy  the  weary  hours.  One  poor, 
.old,  and  blind  colored  woman,  led  by  a  frail  girl, 
both  bearing  heavy  burdens,  and  sinking  into  the 
soft  earth  at  every  step,  and  a  little  child  not  more 
than  three  years  old,  tugging  to  get  through  the 
mud,  while  the  mother  carried  her  babe  in  her 
arms,  awakened  a  feeling  of  deep  pity  in  the  heart 
of  the  thoughtful  man.  Yet  they  patiently  per- 
severed, deriving  consolation  from  the  hope  of 
freedom.  One  man  promptly  replied  to  our  inqui- 
ry, if  he  thought  freedom  would  repay  him  for 
such  hardships,  "  O  yes  massa,  if  I  should  die 
now  I  am  well  paid  for  it  all  in  being  free."  Let 
none  say  that  the  bondmen  do  not  love  their  liber- 
ty, when  such  cheerfulness  is  manifested  in  the 
midst  of  trials  attendant  upon  the  pursuit  of  that 
object. 

After  a  toilsome  march  of  sixty  miles  the  troops 
reached  Fayettville,  which  had  been  evacuated  by 
Johnston  on  our  approach.  The  city  was  occupied 
by  the  Fourteenth  Corps  on  the  llth  of  March. 
The  right  wing  reached  the  place  on  the  following 
day,  securing  communications  with  Wilmington, 
and  receiving  Northern  papers,  after  six  weeks  of 
silence  in  the  'heart  of  the  Confederacy.  Letters 
were  also  sent  to  the  friends  at  home  but  no  mail 
\vas  received. 

Fayetteville  was  held  for  a  few  days,  the  exten- 
sive arsenal  being  thoroughly  destroyed  by  the 


294  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

First  Michigan  Engineers.  The  refugees  and  sick 
were  sent  to  Wilmington,  and  a  few  supplies 
brought  up  for  the  army. 

We  had  now  marched  three  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  without  communications  or  supplies,  cutting 
all  the  lines  of  the  enemy's  communication  on  the 
route,  securing  the  possession  of  Charleston,  and 
shutting  up  the  foe  in  the  States  of  Virginia  and 
North  Carolina,  and  all  without  a  general  engage- 
ment, and  but  three  or  four  skirmishes  of  any 
magnitude. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

BATTLE  OF  BENTONVILLE. 

The  army  was  again  put  in  motion,  March  15th, 
the  left  wing  moving  in  the  direction  of  Raleigh, 
and  the  right  wing  toward  Goldsboro,  A  brisk 
engagement  took  place  on  the  16th,  at  Averysboro, 
between  the  advance  of  the  left  wing  and  the 
enemy's  rear  guard,  for  the  protection  of  his  trains, 
which  were  hindered  in  their  progress  by  the  heavy 
roads.  To  facilitate  our  movements,  the  brigade 
and  supply  trains  had  been  left  behind,  the  main 
body  of  the  army  pushing  forward  with  the  ord- 
nance train.  Hence  the  enemy  was  so  pressed  that 
that  he  was  forced  to  fight  to  save  his  train.  The 
forces  engaged  sustained  severe  losses,  but  the 
enemy  having  attained  his  object,  in  checking  our 
progress,  withdrew  from  our  front,  and  the  pursuit 
was  renewed. 

Our  Brigade  was  assigned  to  duty  as  train  guard, 
March  15th,  and  moved  on  the  following  morning, 


296  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

in  charge  of  the  entire  Corps  train,  consisting  of 
nearly  a  thousand  wagons.  The  condition  of  the 
roads  was  such  that  progress  was  almost  impossible. 
Rain  continued  to  fall,  and  the  prospect  seemed 
dark  before  us.  It  became  necessary  to  corduroy 
nearly  the  entire  distance  traveled  during  the  after- 
noon and  the  ensuing  night.  The  pioneers  and 
troops  struggled  on  in  their  laborious  duties,  and 
the  train  was  moved  only  two  miles  from  noon  of 
the  16th  to  8  o'clock  the  next  morning.  In  the 
twenty-four  hours  we  had  made  but  eight  miles, 
overcoming  obstacles  that  might  be  deemed  insur- 
mountable. On  the  17th,  we  succeeded  in  reach- 
ing and  crossing  South  River,  a  distance  of  five 
miles.  The  greatest  difficulties  had  now  been 
overcome,  and  the  roads  became  better,  enabling 
us  to  make  a  distance  of  twelve  miles  on  the  18th, 
crossing  the  Little  Cohera  on  the  route.  On  the 
19th,  the  train  moved  ten  miles,  and  on  the  20th, 
eight,  making  an  aggregate  distance  of  forty-three 
miles  in  five  days.  On  the  evening  of  the  20th, 
the  Brigade  was  ordered  forward,  leaving  the  train 
in  charge  of  the  troops  guarding  the  Seventeenth 
Corps  train. 

Distant  cannonading  had  been  heard  during  the 
19th,  in  the  direction  of  the  left  wing,  where  a 
severe  battle  was  in  progress  on  that  day.  The 
enemy  threw  a  heavy  force  upon  the  First  Division 
of  the  Fourteenth  Corps,  pressing  it  back,  and 


BATTLE   OF   BENTONVILLE.  297 

threatening  disaster  to  the  entire  army.  The  Se- 
cond Division  resisted  the  progress  of  the  advanc- 
ing foe,  and  the  Third  Division  of  the  Twentieth 
Corps  came  up  as  a 'support,  checking  the  furious 
assault,  and  driving  the  assailants  back  with  heavy 
loss.  The  right  wing  pushed  forward  to  the  scene 
of  action,  Hazen's  Division  moving  at  double 
quick  to  the  support  of  the  endangered  flank,  but 
the  tide  of  battle  had  turned  in  our  favor  before 
their  arrival.  This  engagement  took  place  near 
the  little  town  of  Bentonville. 

On  the  following  day,  the  right  wing  met  some 
opposition,  which  was  readily  overcome,  and  the 
enemy  retired  from  our  right  toward  Bentonville, 
pressed  closely  by  our  forces,  deployed  as  skir- 
mishers. The  Second  Brigade  was  again  engaged, 
driving  the  enemy  with  ease  from  one  point  to 
another.  On  our  arrival  at  the  front,  on  the  21st, 
the  troops  were  ordered  into  the  entrenchments, 
constructed  during  the  previous  night. 

Brisk  skirmishing  continued  during  the  day  in 
our  front,  while  the  Seventeenth  Corps  advanced 
on  the  right.  Mower's  Division  drove  the  enemy 
from  his  position,  pressing  forward  his  right  flank 
into  the  town  of  Bentonville,  where  Johnston  had 
his  headquarters.  Had  this  movement  been  sup- 
ported, the  only  avenue  of  retreat  left  open  to  the 
enemy,  by  which  he  could  have  saved  his  trains 
and  artillery,  would  have  been  in  our  possession. 


298  VICKSBURG  TO   RALEIGH. 

With  the  energy  of  despair,  the  enemy  rallied 
all  the  forces  he  could  muster  to  resist  our  further 
advance,  by  which  our  flank  was  not  only  checked 
but  driven  back  to  its  original  position.  .  Johnston 
became  alarmed  for  his  safety,  and  hastily  with- 
drew during  the  following  night,  toward  Raleigh, 
crossing  the  IS'euse,  and  destroying  the  bridges  on 
his  route. 

The  troops  advanced  to  Bentonville  on  the 
morning  of  the  22nd,  where  General  Sherman 
issued  orders,  declaring  the  campaign  ended,  and 
announcing  the  occupation  of  Goldsboro  by  Gene- 
ral Schofield,  from  Newbern,  and  the  arrival  of 
General  Terry,  from  Wilmington.  The  army  was 
at  once  put  in  motion  for  Goldsboro,  where  the 
troops  arrived  on  the  24th  of  March. 

The  disposition  of  the  forces  for  the  defense  of 
the  place  was  as  follows :  General  Schofield,  with 
the  Twenty -third  and  a  portion  of  the  Tenth 
Corps,  occupied  the  city  and  the  fortified  lines  to 
the  west,  with  the  cavalry  in  his  front,  several 
miles  distant.  The  Army  of  Georgia,  under  com- 
mand of  Major  General  Slocum,  held  the  lines 
north  of  the  city,  while -the  Army  of  the  Tennessee 
occupied  the  east,  and  General  Terry,  with  two 
Divisions  each  of  the  Twenty-fourth  and  Twenty- 
fifth  Corps,  held  the  line  of  the  Neuse,  to  the 
south,  the  whole  force  numbering  nearly  100,000 
men. 


BATTLE   OF   BENTONVILLE.  299 

Here  the  army  received  the  accumulated  mail  of 
two  months,  which  was  most  welcome  after  so  long 
suspension  of  all  mail  facilities.  Supplies  were 
also  received  from  Newbern,  and  active  prepara- 
tions for  a  new  campaign  at  once  began  to  mark 
all  the  camps. 

Our  past  success  had  inspired  unshaken  confi- 
dence in  future  triumph,  and  no  name  was  more 
applauded  than  that  of  General  Sherman.  Ilia 
wonderful  career  from  Chattanooga  to  Atlanta, 
thence  to  Savannah,  and  now  to  Goldsboro,  through 
the  heart  of  the  Carolinas,  had  made  him  the  idol 
of  his  army,  and  no  troops  ever  loved  a  leader 
more  than  the  veterans  of  the  west,  in  whose  esti- 
mation "Uncle  Billy,"  as  he  was  familiarly 
termed,  was  the  ideal  of  military  perfection.  When 
he  had  fighting  to  do,  he  could  rely  on  brave  men 
to  meet  the  foe,  and  when  on  a  flank  movement, 
none  could  excel  his  army  in  celerity.  In  foraging 
to  supply  the  lack  of  subsistence,  the  world  never 
produced  the  equal  of  the  troops  with  which  "  Sher- 
man marched  down  to  the  sea." 

One  characteristic  feature  of  the  army  has  been 
omitted  in  the  description  of  the  scenes  of  those 
campaigns  through  which  we  had  passed  during 
the  winter.  This  is  the  genuine  "bummer,"  a 
name  heretofore  applied  to  the  genteel  sharpers  of 
the  California  gold  region,  who  make  their  living 
upon  the  labor  of  others.  The  application  of  the 


300  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

term  to  the  character  of  a  systematic  forager  ia 
not  inappropriate,  as  he  may  be  said  to  pursue 
the  same  calling  with  his  Pacific  prototype,  though 
under  cover  of  military  necessity,  which  legitima- 
tizes numerous  irregularities  of  life,  according  to 
the  morals  of  the  code  belligerent. 

The  genuine  "  bummer  "  is  not  a  detailed  fora- 
ger, collecting  provisions  for  himself  and  comrades, 
but  a  self-constituted  collector  of  choice  articles, 
particularly  gold  and  silver  coin,  plate,  jewelry, 
watches,  etc.,  things  easily  conveyed  to  general  ren- 
dezvous. Many  of  the  foragers  donned  the  air  and 
habits  of  the  "  regulars,"  and  revele^  in  the  pos- 
session of  numerous  precious  mementoes,  not 
essential  to  clothe  and  feed  the  hungry  soldier. 
While  the  army  lay  in  camp  at  Goldsboro,  the 
practice  of  foraging,  except  by  detail  of  regiments, 
was  suspended,  cutting  off  from  the  exercise  of 
this  summary  mode  of  collecting  tribute  all  except 
the  real  "  bummers."  They  were  not  acting 
under  the  authority  of  General  Sherman,  though 
belonging  to  his  army,  and  dressed  in  Federal  uni- 
form. In  their  peculiar  province  they  required  no 
rations,  were  indifferent  to  greenbacks — when  gold 
and  silver  were  accessible — and  scorned  Confede- 
rate notes,  except  to  keep  a  sufiicient  amount  on 
hand  to  pay  the  citizens  for  a  good  dinner  each 
day.  These  industrious  practitioners  in  their  pro- 
fession kept  aloof  from  camp,  during  the  entire 


BATTLE    OF    BENTONVILLE.  301 

period  that  the  army  spent  at  Goldsboro,  carrying 
on  their  business  in  the  surrounding  country^ 
beyond  the  theatre  of  operations  of  the  rebel 
cavalry,  who  formed  a  protection  against  intrusion 
from  our  lines  by  less  venturous  characters.  On 
the  advance  of  the  army,  they  also  moved  forward, 
always  keeping  themselves  informed  of  the  mili- 
tary situation,  and  reporting  to  their  commands  on 
the  march,  when  they  might  resume  their  pursuits 
more  openly,  under  the  character  of  foragers. 
Such  were  the  genuine  "bummers"  of  Sherman's 
army. 

On  the  6th  of  April,  the  glorious  news  of  the 
fall  of  Richmond  and  Petersburg  reached  the 
army  from  Newbern,  and  filled  our  hearts  with 
joy.  The  report  was  at  first  circulated  verbally, 
and  was  received  with  distrust  by  many  who  had 
been  deceived  by  previous  official  dispatches.  And 
when  the  telegram  of  General  Schurz,  just  arrived 
at  Newbern  from  City  Point,  was  promulgated, 
some  still  refused  to  believe,  and  were  only  con- 
vinced by  the  official  dispatches  of  Secretary  Stan- 
ton,  announcing  the  complete  triumph  of  Grant 
over  Lee  and  the  retreat  of  the  latter,  closely 
pressed  by  the  victorious  army. 

The  effect  of  this  intelligence  cannot  be  de- 
scribed. All  saw  the  doom  of  the  Southern  Con- 
federacy, written  in  blazing  lines  and  glorious 
deeds  of  valor.  The  period  of  suffering  and 
sacrifice  for  our  country's  safety  was  approaching 


802  VICKSBURQ   TO   RALEIGH. 

its  termination,  and  would  soon  end  in  the  com- 
plete destruction  of  the  two  armies  of  Lee  and 
Johnston.  "With  the  entire  sea-coast  in  our  posses- 
sion, and  the  lines  of  communication  severed 
between  these  armies  and  the  Gulf  States,  and 
with  the  splendid  combinations  of  military  skill 
on  the  part  of  the  leaders  of  our  several  armies, 
the  escape  of  the  rebel  forces  from  impending  dis- 
aster was  utterly  impossible.  Grant  in  close  pursuit 
of  Lee's  remnant  of  an  army  once  powerful, 
Sherman  in  close  proximity  to  Johnston,  and 
Thomas  advancing  into  North  Carolina  from  East 
Tennessee,  shut  the  enemy  up  to  his  inevitable 
fate. 

The  efficiency  of  our  cavalry  was  never  more 
manifest.  Sheridan  had  annihilated  Early  in  the 
glorious  campaign  in  the  Shenaridoah  Valley, 
sweeping  all  organized  resistance  before  him  in 
Northern  Virginia,  and  moving  rapidly  to  the 
north  of  Richmond,  bearing  destruction  in  his 
course.  Crossing  the  James,  and  passing  to 
Grant's  left  flank,  he  had  aided  essentially  in  the 
accomplishment  of  the  great  triumph  before  Peters- 
burg, and  now  was  vigorously  pursuing  and  harass- 
ing the  retreating  foe,  rendering  his  escape  impos- 
sible. Stoneman  was  also  moving  upon  the  North 
Carolina  Railroad  at  Salisbury,  while  Kilpatrick 
was  watching  his  antagonist,  "Wade  Hampton, 
ever  ready  for  the  offensive  upon  our  most  exposed 
flank. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

ADVANCE  UPON  RALEIGH. 

After  two  weeks  of  repose  in  camp,  the  army 
moved  forward  upon  the  fortified  position  of  the 
enemy  at  Smithfield,  April  10th.  General  Terry 
held  Goldsboro  and  its  communications  with  New- 
bern,  while  the  main  body  of  the  army  advanced 
in  the  following  order:  General  Schofield,  with 
the  Tenth  and  Twenty-third  Corps,  moved  up  the 
south  bank  of  the  Neuse,  forming  the  left  wing, 
General  Sldcum  held  the  centre,  and  General  How- 
ard the  right. 

The  Fifteenth  Corps  occupied  the  right  flank, 
with  Woods'  Division  on  the  extreme  right.  The 
centre  moved  directly  toward  Smithfield,  along  the 
line  of  the  North  Carolina  Railroad,  while  the 
right  wing  followed  the  Wilmington  and  Weldon 
Railroad  toward  the  north.  In  the  advance  of  the 
First  Division  the  rebel  cavalry  was  in  ou?  front 
and  flank,  disputing  our  progress.  Some  skirmish- 
ing occurred  during  the  day.  Companies  I  and  K 


304  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

were  detailed  as  skirmishers,  and  drove  the  enemy 
from  his  camp,  which  we  occupied  during  the 
night.  No  casualties  occurred. 

Johnston  withdrew  from  his  defenses  toward 
Raleigh,  on  the  morning  of  our  advance  from 
Goldsboro.  It  soon  became  evident  that  he  was 
not  disposed  to  fight,  and  the  prospect  seemed  to 
indicate  a  chase  of  our  old  antagonist,  who  had  so 
often  exhibited  his  skill  in  retreating  before  Sher- 
man's forces,  in  Mississippi,  Georgia  and  the  Caro- 
linas.  Whether  he  would  pause  to  defend  Raleigh 
seemed  doubtful,  and  the  event  confirmed  our 
fears ;  for  the  enemy  hardly  halted  at  the  State 
Capital,  where  no  defenses  had  been  constructed 
since  the  period  of  our  occupation  of  Newbern. 

The  receipt  of  official  intelligence  that  Lee  had 
surrendered  to  Grant,  at  Appomattox,  re-assured 
all  hearts  that  the  end  of  the  great  conflict  was  at 
hand.  The  desire  to  force  Johnston  to  a  like 
course  was  general  in  the  army,  and  the  hope  was 
confidently  entertained  that  such  would  be  the 
result,  if  he  should  attempt  to  make  a  stand. 

On  the  llth  of  April,  Wheeler's  cavalry  was  ac- 
tively employed  on  our  flanks  and  rear,  as  well  as 
in  front,  not  venturing  to  offer  serious  resistance, 
but  impeding  our  advance  by  the  destruction  of 
bridges-,  and  watching  for  stragglers  in  the  rear  of 
the  column.  The  bridge  over  Little  River,  at 
Falk's  Church,  was  destroyed,  necessitating  the 


ADVANCE    UPON    RALEIGH.        •  805 

destruction  of  the  church  to  rebuild  it  The 
enemy  followed  us  to  the  river,  and  were  only  pre- 
vented from  crossing  by  the  destruction  of  the 
bridge  a  second  time. 

John  Sturman  and  Aaron  Cutshall,  of  Co.  A, 
were  attacked  in  rear  of  the  column,  the  same  day, 
by  a  party  of  mounted  rebels.  The  latter  was 
captured,  but  afterward  escaped.  Sturman  was 
followed  by  one  of  the  assailants  and  struck  over 
the  head  with  a  pistol,  but  retained  his  seat  on  the 
horse  he  was  riding.  His  gun  was  slung  upon  his 
shoulder,  and  having  no  time  for  removing  it,  he 
turned  the  muzzle  backward  upon  the  foe,  and 
fired  at  random,  the  ball  penetrating  the  rebel's 
heart.  He  dropped  lifeless  from  his  horse,  which 
kept  on  its  course.  Sturman  caught  the  beast  and 
rode  in  triumph  to  the  Regiment,  and  Cutshall 
came  in  soon  after.  On  returning  to  the  spot 
where  the  rebel  was  killed,  and  examining  his 
person,  several  articles  were  found  which  were  at 
once  recognized  as  belonging  to  John  Clark,  of 
Company  G,  who  was  supposed  to  be  killed,  but 
who  was  afterwards  exchanged. 

Raleigh  was  occupied  April  13th.  On  the  14th, 
General  Sherman  reviewed  the  Fifteenth  Corps, 
subsequently  reviewing  the  Seventeenth  and  Twen- 
tieth Corps.  The  Fourteenth  Corps  advanced  to 
the  Cape  Fear  River,  where  it  remained  during 
the  continuance  of  the  army  at  Raleigh. 


306  VICKSBURG   TO    RALEIGH. 

On  the  15th,  all  operations  were  suspended,  and 
the  troops  were  excited  by  various  rumors  of  the 
surrender  of  Johnston.  The  day  wore  wearily 
away,  and  no  definite  information  relative  to  the 
situation  of  affairs  could  be  obtained.  It  was  defi- 
nitely known,  on  the  next  day,  that  a  conference 
was  in  progress  between  Generals  Sherman  and 
Johnston,  but  of  the  probable  results  all  were  alike 
ignorant. 

In  the  midst  of  this  anxiety  relative  to  the  result 
of  the  negotiations  for  surrender,  and  while  all 
stood  still,  after  the  rejoicing  over  our  success  at 
Richmond,  in  expectation  of  the  full  cup  of  joy  in 
the  assurance  that  Johnston,  too,  had  surrendered 
his  entire  army  to  Sherman — at  this  moment  of 
intense  interest,  the  astounding  intelligence  of  the 
assassination  of  President  Lincoln  fell,  like  a  clap 
of  thunder  from  the  clear  sky,  upon  the  hearts  of 
our -noble  army.  The  shock  was  indescribable. 
Mingled  emotions  of  grief,  indignation,  and  horror 
thrilled  every  soul.  The  ashen  lips  of  brave  men 
almost  refused  to  speak  the  terrible  truth,  while 
the  great  deep  of  sorrow  was  stirred.  It  could  not 
be  true,  yet  it  came  so  directly  that  it  would  be 
folly  to  dispute  its  correctness.  The  previous  sub- 
ject of  our  thoughts  was  banished  from  the  mind, 
and  each  man  buried  himself  in  secret  reflection 
upon  the  enormity  of  the  crime  that  had  been 
committed  in  the  interest  of  the  rebellion,  and  at 


ADVANCE   UPON   RALEIGH.  S07 

the  moment  of  its  last  expiring  gasp.  It  really 
seemed  that  the  climax  of  wickedness-  had  been 
reserved  for  the  closing  scene  in  the  long  and 
bloody  drama  that  had  been  enacted  upon  the 
stage  of  our  broad  national  domain. 

Alas !  the  first  rumors  were  confirmed  by  the 
official  announcement  of  the  sad  event  in  a  special 
order  of  General  Sherman,  who  had  received  a 
telegram  from  Secretary  Stanton  on  the  17th. 
Great  indignation  was  aroused  by  the  full  assur- 
ance of  the  truth,  and  it  was  with  difficulty  that 
the  city  of  Raleigh  was  saved  from  destruction. 
The  rebel  citizens  who  had  long  despised  their 
former  humble  townsman,  Andrew  Johnson,  now 
elevated  to  the  Executive  office  by  the  foul  crime 
committed  at  Washington,  suddenly  discovered 
that  the  South  had  lost  a  friend  in  our  martyred 
President,  and,  like  Pilate,  they  at  once  washed 
their  hands  of  all  guilt. 

This  excitement  was  soon  succeeded  by  the  sus- 
pension of  all  hostilities  between  the  two  armies, 
on  the  basis  of  the  celebrated  terms  of  agreement 
adopted  in  conference  between  Generals  Sherman 
and  Johnston. 

This  order  assured  us  of  the  virtual  restoration 
of  peace  upon  equitable  terms,  which  only  needed 
the  approval  of  the  Executive  to  secure  the  full 
object  of  all  our  sacrifices.  The  agreement  between 
the  two  commanders  was  already  on  its  way  to 


308  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

"Washington  when  the  army  received  the  above 
order,  and -its  acceptance  and  approval  were  confi- 
dently anticipated.  In  the  meantime  the  troops 
were  placed  in  camps  as  directed  in  the  order,  and 
the  army  awaited  in  quiet  the  announcement  of 
the  final  termination  of  the  struggle. 

On  the  24th  of  April  it  became  generally  known 
that  the  terms  of  agreement  forwarded  to  Wash- 
ington had  been  disapproved,  and  that  General 
Grant  had  reached  Raleigh,  ordering  the  imme- 
diate resumption  of  hostilities,  after  giving  John- 
ston the  two  days  notice,  agreed  upon  in  confer- 
ence, in  case  of  the  disapproval  of  the  basis  of 
agreement.  The  notice  was  at  once  given  to 
Johnston,  and  orders  were  issued  to  the  army  to 
be  in  readiness  for  an  advance  upon  the  enemy  on 
the  26th.  The  quiet  of  camp  was  exchanged  for 
busy  preparation  for  renewing  the  conflict. 

But  our  further  movement  was  rendered  unnec- 
essary by  a  second  conference,  in  which  Johnston 
accepted  the  same  terms  of  surrender  for  the  army 
under  his  command  as  were  granted  to  Lee  at 
Appomattox,  thus  ending  all  hostilities  from  the 
Potomac  to  the  Chattahoochee,  and  leaving  only 
the  armies  under  Dick  Taylor  and  Kirby  Smith  to 
be  surrendered.  These  two  soon  accepted  the  same 
terms  accorded  to  Lee  and  Johnston,  and  the  war 
for  the  Union  was  ended. 


ADVANCE   UPON   RALEIGH.'  309 

The  comments  of  the  press  upon  the  course  of 
General  Sherman  were  severe,  and  much  ill  feeling 
was  engendered  in  consequence  of  the  "  Sher- 
man-Johnston Conference."  Much  unnecessary 
anxiety  was  manifested  in  reference  to  the  designs 
of  General  Sherman,  and  grave  accusations  were 
preferred  against  him  by  the  press.  But  his  ready 
compliance  with  his  instructions  proved  the  in  teg-* 
rity  of  purpose  by  which  he  was  actuated.  Though 
injudicious — in  the  estimation  of  the  great  body 
of  his  own  army — in  the  approval  of  the  terms  of 
agreement,  the  troops  retained  for  him  the  same 
respect  and  confidence  he  had  so  long  shared,  and 
they  would  have  followed  him  into  battle  with  the 
same  readiness  that  they  had  so  often  evinced. 
And  to  the  last  hour  of  their  service  they  were 
ready  to  cheer  as  heartily  for  Sherman  as  for  Grant 
himself. 

The  period  of  strife  had  now  really  ceased  in  all 
the  insurgent  States  bordering  on  the  Atlantic.  It 
was  difficult  to  realize  that  the  roar  and  smoke  of 
battle  had  passed  away,  and  that  our  ears  would 
no  more  be  saluted  with  the  terrible  sounds  that 
had  become  so  familiar,  in  the  long  and  bloody 
strife  for  the  permanency  of  the  institutions  estab- 
lished by  our  fathers.  Fondly  we  looked  forward 
to  home  and  friends.  Slowly  the  days  passed  by, 
while  awaiting  the  order  for  our  last  march. 


310  VICKSBURQ  TO   RALEIGH. 

In  the  interval  occurring  between  the  surrender 
of  Johnston,  which  was  arranged  in  conference, 
April  25th,  and  the  receipt  of  marching  orders  for 
Washington,  very  little  of  special  interest  trans- 
pired. The  four  Corps  composing  the  Armies  of 
the  Tennessee  and  Georgia  were  directed  to  pre- 
pare for  the  return  march,  without  ordnance  trains, 
and  all  was  in  readiness  for  the  movement  by  the 
last  of  April.  The  Twenty-third  Corps  was  order- 
ed to  remain  in  North  Carolina. 

The  following  promotions  were  made  during 
this  period : 

Sergeant  Major  Jesse  H.  Cochran,  to  Quarter- 
master, vice  Lee,  resigned,  March  26th,  1865. 

Orderly  Sergeant  John  B.  Maguire,  Company  K, 
to  2nd  Lieutenant,  vice  O'Shaughnessy,  resigned, 
April  19th,  1865. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

HOMEWARD  BOUND. 

On  the  29th  of  April  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee 
commenced  the  march  to  Richmond,  via  Louis- 
burg,  Warrenton,  Lawrenceville,  and  Petersburg, 
the  Army  of  Georgia  moving  at  the  same  time  and 
for  the  same  destination,  via  Oxford,  Boydton,  and 
Nottoway  Court  House.  All  foraging  was  pro- 
hibited, and  all  necessary  supplies  were  purchased 
by  the  Commissaries.  The  march  was  quiet  and 
orderly,  showing  that  strict  discipline  might  be 
secured  and  the  property  of  our  subdued  enemies 
respected,  after  the  strife  had  ceased. 

The  Army  of  the  Tennessee  reached  Petersburg 
May  7th,  having  marched  one  hundred  and  forty- 
eight  miles  from  the  Neuse  River  in  seven  days. 
The  Army  of  Georgia  reached  Manchester,  oppo- 
site Richmondj  at  the  same  time.  In  thus  pushing 
the  troops  forward  General  Sherman's  orders, 
which  provided  for  slow  and  easy  marches  and 


312  VICKSBCTRG   TO    RALEIGH. 

allowed  fifteen  days  to  reach  Richmond  and  be  in 
readiness  to  resume  the  march  for  Washington, 
were  disregarded. 

After  a  day's  rest  at  Petersburg,  giving  the 
troops  an  opportunity  of  observing  the  numerous 
points  of  interest  on  the  extended  field  of  Grant's 
operations,  we  again  moved  forward,  reaching 
Manchester  May  10th,  and  camping  in  view  of  the 
late  rebel  Capital. 

The  army  remained  in  the  vicinity  of  Richmond 
three  days,  during  which  time  many  viewed  the 
city  and  those  places  of  historic  cruelty,  Libby 
Prison,  Castle  Thunder,  and  Belle  Isle. 

General  Halleck  had  proposed  to  review  the 
army  of  General  Sherman  in  Richmond,  in  the 
absence  of  the  latter,  who  arrived  in  time  to  put 
an  injunction  upon  the  proceedings,  declaring  that 
he  would  march  his  army  around  Richmond, 
rather  than  suffer  Halleck  to  review  his  troops. 

The  Army  of  Georgia  crossed  the  James  and 
marched  through  the  city,  on  the  12th  of  May, 
followed  on  the  morning  of  the  13th  by  the  Army 
of  the  Tennessee.  The  Regiment  was  the  last  of 
Sherman's  army  to  tread  the  streets  of  the  late 
rebel  Capital. 

Grant's  army  had  preceded  us  to  Washington, 
followed  by  the  cavalry  under  Sheridan.  For 
more  than  fifty  miles  an  almost  unbroken  column 
of  troops  and  trains  pushed  forward  on  a  single 


HOMEWARD   BOUND.  313 

road,  via  Hanover  Court  House,  Bowling  Green 
and  Fredericksburg,  the  left  wing  diverging  from 
the  main  route,  and  passing  over  the  bloody  fields 
of  the  Wilderness  and  Spottsylvania  Court  House. 

The  right  wing  moved  via  Stafford  Court  House, 
through  a  region  desolated  by  war,  and  reached 
the  Potomac  at  Dumfries,  camping  at  Occoquan, 
May,  18th.  On  the  following  day  Woods'  Divi- 
sion marched  to  Alexandria,  via  Mount  Yernon, 
the  troops  passing,  at  shoulder  arms,  before  the 
tomb  of  Washington,  an  honor  which  no  other 
body  of  troops  ever  shared.  It  was  a  solemn  spec- 
tacle, and  one  most  appropriate  to  the  occasion  of 
our  triumph  and  the  character  of  the  illustrious 
dead. 

The  army  camped  in  the  vicinity  of  Alexandria 
till  the  23d,  moving  across  the  Potomac,  at  Long 
Bridge,  on  the  24th,  and  passing  in  the  Grand 
Review,  before  President  Johnson,  and  the  Cabi- 
net, General  Grant  and  his  subordinates,  in  the 
presence  of  an  immense  and  enthusiastic  throng 
of  the  joyful  people,  assembled  from  all  parts  of 
the  loyal  States  to  witness  the  grandest  display 
ever  presented  on  the  American  continent,  and 
one  never  surpassed  in  the  old  world.  It  was  an 
honor  to  move  in  that  grand  army,  and  share  in 
the  applause  and  grateful  affections  of  the  people, 
to  whom  we  were  just  returning  from  the  scenes 
of  conflict  and  of  triumph. 


814  VICKSBURQ    TO    KALEIGH. 

It  was  the  privilege  of  the  .Regiment  to  lead  the 
column,  on  the  morning  of  the  24th.  The  extent 
of  the  crowd  collected  to  witness  the  grand  pa- 
geant, and  the  degree  of  enthusiasm  that  prevailed 
along  the  route,  from  the  Capitol  to  the  point  of 
divergence  from  Pennsyvania  Avenue,  could  only 
be  appreciated  by  passing  through  on  the  line  of 
march.  The  memory  of  the  scenes  then  witnessed 
will  never  grow  dim,  but  will  be  cherished  by  the 
soldier  as  a  part  of  the  reward  bestowed  upon  him 
by  the  loyal  masses  of  the  people. 

Nothing  now  remained  to  be  done  but  to  muster 
out  the  troops,  designated  for  discharge  by  order 
of  the  War  Department.  This  order  embraced 
the  three  following  classes :  1st,  All  regimental 
organizations  other  than  re-enlisted  veterans,  whose 
term  of  service  would  expire  prior  to  October  1st, 
1865 ;  2nd,  All  recruits  in  old  organizations  whose 
term  of  service  would  expire  previous  to  the  same 
date ;  3rd,  All  recruits  in  the  several  organizations, 
for  one  year's  service,  whose  term  should  expire 
prior  to  that  date. 

The  Regiment  was  included  in  the  first  class, 
excepting  the  recruits  received  subsequent  to  Octo- 
ber 1st,  1862.  Of  this  class  two  hundred  and 
thirty  were  detached  from  the  Regiment,  May  31st, 
and  retained  in  service  with  the  organizations  not 
included  in  the  order,  and  were  mustered  out  in 
July  following.  As  rapidly  as  the  rolls  could  be 


HOMEWARD    BOUND.  315 

prepared  the  troops  entitled  to  discharge  were  mus- 
tered out  at  Washington,  and  ordered  to  their 
respective  States  to  receive  discharge  and  payment. 
The  rolls  of  the  Regiment  were  in  readiness  early 
in  June,  and  the  muster  out  was  dated  June  8th, 
1865,  the  discharges  also  bearing  that  date,  but 
payment  continuing  to  date  of  arrival  at  the  desig- 
nated rendezvous  for  payment  and  discharge. 

The  following  officers  were  promoted  to  fill 
vacancies  during  the  continuance  of  the  Regiment 
at  Washington,  but  were  not  mustered  in  the  rank 
to  which  they  were  commissioned,  in  consequence 
of  immediate  muster  out  in  their  previous  rank : 

Captain  Samuel  Boughter,  Co.  F,  to  Major,  vice 
Baldwin,  promoted. 

1st  Lieutenant  Alonzo  II.  Hubbard,  Co.  F,  to 
Captain,  vice  Boughter,  promoted. 

Orderly  Sergeant  Thomas  C.  Lessig,  Co.  F,  to 
1st  Lieutenant,  vice  Hubbard,  promoted. 

Sergeant  Benjamin  F.  Mankin,  to  2nd  Lieuten- 
ant, vice  Webster,  promoted. 

Orderly  Sergeant  John  C.  Lewman,  Co.  A,  to 
2nd  Lieutenant,  vice  Conner,  resigned. 

Orderly  Sergeant  William  H.  Ellis,  Co.  C,  to 
2nd  Lieutenant,  vice  Williams,  promoted. 

Orderly  Sergeant  Amos  J.  Osborne,  Co.  D,  to 
2nd  Lieutenant,  vice  Murray,  promoted. 

Orderly  Sergeant  Greenleaf  N.  Gilbert,  Co.  E, 
to  2nd  Lieutenant,  vice  Shenafelt,  promoted. 


316  VICKSBURG  TO  RALEIGH. 

Sergeant  Charles  F.  Hardin,  Co.  G,  to  2nd  Lieu- 
tenant, vice  Copper,  promoted. 

Sergeant  Logan  P.  Herod,  Co.  H,  to  2nd  Lieu- 
tenant, vice  Jones  promoted. 

Orderly  Sergeant  William  H.  Sparrow,  Co.  I,  to 
2nd  Lieutenant,  vice  Andrew,  promoted. 

On  the  9th  of  June  we  left  Washington,  with 
the  Ninety-seventh  and  One  Hundredth  Indiana 
Volunteers.  A  tedious  ride  of  two  days  over  the 
Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  was  succeeded  by  a 
delightful  passage  down  the  Ohio,  to  Lawrence- 
burg,  where  we  arrived  June  13th,  reaching  Indi- 
anapolis on  the  following  morning.  A  public 
reception  was  given  the  several  Regiments,  and  a 
glowing  address  delivered  by  our  noble  Governor, 
whose  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  Indiana  troops 
in  the  field  had  ever  been  manifested  in  active 
effort  for  their  efficiency  and  comfort.  The  words 
which  he  addressed  to  the  veterans  of  1862  were 
as  fully  appreciated  as  had  been  his  faithful  labors 
in  our  behalf  for  three  long  years  of  toil,  privation 
and  danger.  •  >;• 

The  Regiment  received  pay  and  discharge,  June 
20th,  and  the  organization  with  which  we  had 
served  no  longer  had  an  existence.  The  members 
were  soon  on  their  way  home,  where  warm  greet- 
ings awaited  them.  But  in  many  homes  there  was 
deep  sorrow.  The  friends  of  our  fallen  comrades 
mourned  in  the  full  realization  of  their  loss. 


HOMEWARD   BOUND.  317 

While  joy  came  to  other  homes  with  the  return  of 
long  absent  husbands,  fathers,  sons,  and  brothers, 
a  deeper  grief  than  the  afflicted  had  ever  experi- 
enced came  to  homes  desolated  by  the  fearful 
ravages  of  war.  Our  rejoicing  should  be  tempered 
with  sympathy  for  those  who  mourn,  and  fervent 
gratitude  should  dwell  in  all  our  hearts  and  con- 
tinually ascend  to  God  who  has  so  signally  pre- 
served us  in  the  midst  of  all  our  perils. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

CONCLUSION. 

The  record  of  our  toils  and  sacrifices  cannot  be 
better  closed  than  by  introducing  the  Farewell 
Address  of  General  Williams,  in  which  the  ser- 
vices of  the  Regiment  are  briefly  reviewed  : 

HEAD-QUARTERS  12iH  REGIMENT  INDIANA  INFANTKT,  1 
INDIANAPOLIS,  Ind.,  19th  June,  1865.  / 

OFFICERS  AND  SOLDIERS  : 

Your  Commanding  Officer  addresses  you  for  the  last  time  as  an 
organization.  In  a  few  more  hours  the  Twelfth  Indiana  will  live 
in  history  alone.  Its  members,  the  heroes  of  many  a  hard  fought 
battle,  will  soon  have  separated,  to  gladden,  by  their  presence, 
the  firesides  of  the  homes  from  which*  they  have  been.  BO  long 
absent. 

Your  commander  embraces  the  opportunity,  before  we  sepa- 
rate, to  pay  tribute  to  the  devotion  with  which  you  have  served 
your  country  during  the  long  and  bloody  struggle  from  which  we 
have  just  emerged.  Your  conduct  upon  many  bloody  fields 
attests  the  high  regard  you  have  borne  the  "  starry  banner" — 
the  emblem  of  our  nationality. 

You  return  to  your  State  with  Richmond,  Ky.,  Vicksburg, 
Jackson,  Miss.,  Mission  Ridge,  Resaca,  Dallas,  New  Hope  Church, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Nickajack  Creek,  Atlanta,  20th,  21st,  22nd 


CONCLUSION.  319 

and  28th  July,  Jonesboro,  Savannah,  Griswoldville,  Columbiar, 
8.  C.,  Bentonville  and  Raleigh  inscribed  upon  your  colors.  The 
blood  of  six  hundred  of  your  comrades  defines  the  manner  in 
which  the  Twelfth  Regiment  conducted  itself  upon  these  fields. 

For  more  than  four  years  your  Regiment  has  had  an  existence. 
Many  of  you  have  been  present  during  the  entire  period,  and  all 
of  you  have  fought  under  the  same  battle-scarred  colors  for  three 
long  years.  You  have  numbered  thirteen  hundred  men  in  all, 
who  have  marched  with  you  to  battle.  Nine  hundred  of  your 
number  to-day  do  not  answer  to  the  call  of  the  roll.  The  bones 
of  three  hundred  of  these  may  be  found  in  Kentucky,  Tennessee, 
Missouri,  Arkansas,  Louisiana,  Mississippi,  Alabama,  Georgia, 
the  two  Carolinas,  and  Virginia.  Your  feet  have  pressed  the 
soil  of  every  Southern  State  save  two  (Texas  and  Florida.)  You 
have  fought  upwards  of  twenty  distinct  and  bloody  engagements  ; 
and  have,  in  the  same  time,  with  knapsacks  upon  your  backs  and 
guns  upon  your  shoulders,  marched  upwards  of  six  thousand 
miles. 

Your  first  bloody  act  in  the  great  rebellion  was  the  part  sus- 
tained by  you  in  the  battle  of  Richmond,  Ky.  'You  went  into  the 
field  at  early  morn  ;  through  the  entire  day  you  were  engaged. 
No  soldiers  ever  fought  better  than  you  did.  Thirty  killed  and 
one  hundred  and  forty- three  wounded  speaks  for  the  gallantry 
with  which  your  services  were  rendered  on  that  memorable  day. 
It  was  there  you  lost  your  lamented  commander,  Colonel  William 
H.  Link,  who  fell  gloriously  in  the  heat  of  battle. 

From  this  ill-fated  field,  you  visited  the  valley  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, and  were  attached  to  the  grand  old  Army  of  the  South- 
west. With  it  you  did  your  duty  at  Vicksburg  and  Jackson, 
Miss.  At  a  later  day  you  hurried  with  Sherman  to  the  relief  of 
the  beleaguered  artny  at  Chattanooga.  You  arrived  there  hun- 
gry, tired,  ragged  and  barefoot.  No  rest  was  allowed  you.  The 
battle  of  Missionary  Ridge  was  fought  and  won,  and  the  army  of 
General  Bragg  driven  in  rout  from  that  stronghold,  though 
mother  earth  drank  blood  from  more  than  a  hundred  of  your 


320  VICKSBURG   TO   RALEIGH. 

comrades.  Then  followed  the  long  mid-winter  campaign  to 
Knoxville,  which  you  accomplished  without  rations,  sufficient 
clothing,  and  scores  of  your  number  barefooted.  Your  com- 
mander recollects  well  of  many  of  your  number  encasing  their 
bleeding  feet  in  strips  of  raw  hide  to  protect  them  from  the 
snow  and  ice  and  sharp  pointed  rocks  which  met  you  at  every 
step. 

Again,  with  the  Fifteenth  Corps,  under  the  glorious  Logan, 
you  participated  in  the  great  Atlanta  campaign.  You  opened  the 
ball  at  Resaca,  being  the  first  regiment  engaged,  losing  fifty-eight 
in  killed  and  wounded.  From  this  time  until  the  fall  of  Atlanta 
you  were  scarcely  ever  out  of  reach  of  the  enemy's  fire.  Your 
losses  during  the  campaign  numbered  two  hundred  and  forty 
killed  and  wounded. 

Soon  again  you  were  on  the  war  path,  accompanying  General 
Sherman  on  his  "  March  to  the  Sea,"  participating  in  the  battle 
of  Griswoldville,  and  were  frequently  under  fire  during  the 
march  and  upon  the  occupation  of  Savannah.  The  grand  tri- 
umphal march  of  this  army  from  Savannah  to  Columbia,  S.  C., 
from  thence  to  Raleigh  and  Washington  City,  is  so  well  known 
as  to  render  comment  useless. 

"While  at  Washington,  you  had  the  honor  of  leading  General 
Sherman's  grand  army  in  the  greatest  review  ever  held  upon  this 
continent,  where,  by  your  soldierly  appearance,  you  elicited  the 
praise  of  thousands  and  tens  of  thousands  of  spectators  who  had 
crowded  thither  from  every  part  of  our  country  to  welcome  your 
arrival. 

Many  of  our  gallant  officers  are  numbered  with  the  dead.  The 
memory  of  Colonel  W.  H.  Link,  Captains  Avaline,  Beeson,  Peo- 
ples, Anderson  and  Huston,  and  Lieutenants  Day,  Wescott, 
"Waters,  Weaver  and  Kirkpatrick,  who  have  given  their  lives  to 
their  country,  will  ever  be  revered.  I  would  gladly  mention  the 
names  of  every  man  of  your  number  who  has  fallen  in  this  har- 
vest of  death,  had  I  space  to  do  so.  Our  sympathies  shall  ever 
be  enlisted  in  behalf  of  the  gallant  officers  and  men  who  have 


CONCLUSION.  321 

been  disabled  from  wounds  received  in  action.  Among  those  of 
this  class  are  Chaplain  Gage,  Quartermaster  McClellan,  Adjutant 
Bond,  Captains  Price  and  Bowman,  and  Lieutenants  Blackwell 
and  O'Shaughnessy,  all  of  whom  hare  received  severe  and  dan- 
gerous wounds  while  in  the  line  of  duty. 

During  these  years  of  service  you  have,  by  your  strict  observ- 
ance of  the  duties  of  a  soldier,  acquired  a  reputation  second  to 
no  regiment  from  our  State.  Our  State,  its  officials,  your  friends 
and  relatives  have  much  reason  to  be  proud  of  you. 

The  cordial  and  hearty  support  that  both  officers  and  men  have 
given  me  at  all  times  and  places  is  most  satisfactory.  I  shall,  in 
after  years,  look  back  with  pleasure  to  the  three  years  that  I  was 
connected  with  this  Regiment,  as  its  commanding  officer. 

Hoping  that  you  may  all  prove  as  good  citizens  as  you  have 
heretofore  been  faithful  soldiers,  and  that  peace  and  prosperity 
will  ever  be  your  lot, 

I  am,  your  obedient  servant, 

REUB.  WILLIAMS, 

Brevt.  Brig.  Gen.  U.  S.  A. 
OFFICIAL  : 

MARSH.  H.  PARKS, 

Act.  Asst.  Adj.  Oen. 


REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 


The  following  lists  embrace  the  names  of  all  the  members  of  the 
Regiment  during  the  term  of  service,  with  date  of  promotion,  resig- 
nation, discharge,  death,  or  desertion  of  each,  as  copied  from  the 
several  Muster  Rolls  of  the  Field  and  Staff,  and  Companies: 

FIELD  AND  STAFF. 

Colonel— WILLIAM  H.  LINK,  died  of  wound,  September  20th,  1862. 

Lieutenant  Colonel — REUBEN  WILLIAMS,  promoted  to  Colonel,  No- 
vember 17th,  1862;  to  Brevet  Brigadier  General,  March  13th,  18«6; 
discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Major— SOL  D.  KKMFTON,  resigned,  June  9th,  1863. 

Surgeon — WILLIAM  LOMAX,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

1st  Asst.  Surgeon— ALFRED  B.  TAYLOR,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Adjutant'—  JAKED  D.  BOND,  resigned,  January 1864. 

Quartermaster— JAMES  A.  MCCLELLAN,  resigned,  June 1864. 

Chaplain— MOSES  D.  GAGE;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Sergeant  Major —  Larrey  D.  McFarlane,  died,  February  21st,  1863. 

Quartermaster  Sergeant — John  H.  Waters,  promoted  to  1st  Lieuten- 
ant, Co.  A,  April  30th,  1864 ;  killed,  July  28th,  1864. 

Commissary  Sergeant— Alfred  G.  Lee,  promoted  to  Quartermaster, 
July  3rd,  1864;  resigned,  January  22nd,  1865. 

Hospital  Steward, — John  A.  Campfleld,  promoted  to  2nd  Assistant 
Burgeon,  November  17th,  1862;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Sen.  Prin.  Musician— Henry  C.  Keely,  discharged,  June  8th,  1S65. 

Jun.  Prin.  Musician — Henry  C.  Hubler,  promoted  to  Sergeant  Major, 
March  llth,  1864;  reduced  by  request,  July  23rd,  1864;  discharged. 
June  8th,  1865. 


321  REaiMENTAL  REGISTER. 

Co.  A. 

LINE  OFFICERS. 

Captain— James  Ooodnow,  promoted  to  Major,  November  17th, 
1S62;  to  Lieutenant  Colonel,  June  9th,  1863;  resigned,  September  16th, 
1864. 

1st  Lieutenant— John  B.  Conner,  promoted  to  Captain,   November 

17th,  1862;  resigned,  January ,  1861. 

.tnd  lAetUenant— George  W.  Wright,  discharged,  February  3rd,  1863. 

NON-COMUHSSIOXED  OFFICERS. 

Orderly  Sergeant  —  Robert  W.  Weatherinton,  promoted  to  1st  Lieu- 
tenant, November  17th,  1862;  resigned,  April  1st,  1864. 

Snd  Sergeant— John  M.  Tobias,  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant,  Feb- 
ruary 3rd,  1863;  to  1st  Lieutenant,  September  6th,  1864;  discharged, 
June  8th,  1865. 

3rd  Sergeant — Henry  Meier,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Iffh  Sergeant— Robert  S.  Torbet,  discharged,  March  5th,  1863. 

5th  Sergeant— Daniel  Miller,  discharged,  July  6th,  1863. 

l»t  Corporal— Allen  S.  Conner,  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant,  De- 
cember 15th,  1862 ;  to  2nd  Lieutenant,  February  3rd,  1863 ;  resigned, 
January  16th,  1864. 

Snd  Corporal— Joseph  F.  King,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  March  25th, 
1863;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

3rd  Corporal — John  D.  Clark,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  March  25th, 
1863;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Uh  Corporal— James  N.  Reynolds,  lost  on  steamer  Sultana,  on  his 
return  from  Andersonville  prison. 

5th  Corporal— John  W.  Sturman,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

6th  Corporal— William  P.  Jordan,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

7th  Corporal— John  F.  Wright,  discharged,  November  loth,  1862. 

9th  Corporal — John  McCammon,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Musician — Wiley  B.  Temples,  transferred  to  United  States  Army. 

Musician — David  W.  Freeman,  promoted  to  Corporal,  April  24th, 
1865;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Wagoner— Richard  Snowden,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

PRIVATES. 

Allen,  Robert,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Bard,  John  H.  C.,  died  of  wounds,  September  20th,  1862, 

Brise,  Anthony,  died  of  disease,  November  22nd,  1864. 

Branham,  John  E.,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Bothwell,  James,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Bugbee,  Eli  N.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Church,  Bishop,  transferred  to  United  States  Army. 

Crowell,  James,  discharged,  December  20th,  1863. 

Connett,  Joseph  A.,  deserted,  October  6th,  1862. 

Campbell,  Hermann,  deserted,  December  1st,  1862. 


REGIMENTAL  REGISTER.  325 

Campbell,  Allen,  discharged,  April  llth,  1863. 

Campbell,  Gabriel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Carson,  Walter,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Carson,  John  Q,.,  died  of  disease,  October  6th,  1862. 

( 'nt shall,  Aaron,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Clemens,  James  W.,  transferred  to  United  States  Army. 

Cohee,  Isaac  N.,  deserted,  November  25th,  1862. 

Clinton,  James  H.,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Daughters,  John  H.,  killed,  July  22nd,  1864. 

Doyle,  Richard,  killed,  July  22nd,  1864. 

Dudley,  Charles  K.,  transferred  to  United  States  Army. 

Dennis,  Ezra  F.,  deserted,  December  1st,  1863, 

Ferguson,  William,  died  of  disease,  April  27th,  1863. 

Fosselman,  Jacob,  died  of  disease,  June  29th,  1863. 

Franklin,  James  K.  P.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Gerrard,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Gerrard,  Stephen,  discharged,  November  15th,  1862. 

Green,  Benjamin  W.,  deserted,  January  1st,  1863. 

Gagan,  Patrick,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hinds,  Samuel  H.,  transferred  to  United  States  Army. 

Hight,  John,  discharged, ,  1865. 

Hendrlx,  William,  discharged, ,  1863. 

Hays,  Abram,  deserted,  August  8th,  1862. 

Haugh,  Alexander,  deserted,  August  16th,  1862. 

Hubler,  Thomas  L.  F.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1863. 

Jacobs,  Theophilus,  transferred  to  United  States  Army. 

Jordon,  William  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Little,  Stansbury,  promoted  to  Corporal,  April  24th,  1865;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Little,  John  G.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Lewman,  John  C.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  July  29th,  1864 ;  to  Or- 
derly Sergeant,  January  27th,  1865;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Leslie,  Charles  E.,  transferred  to  United  States  Army. 

Martin,  George,  transferred  to  United  States  Army. 

Mowry,  Albert  D.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

McClary,  Robert,  died  of  disease,  April  16th,  1863. 

Murry,  Patrick,  deserted,  August  7th,  1862. 

Miller,  Jefferson,  transferred  to  United  States  Army. 

McCarter,  Arthur  C.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  April  1st,  1863;  to 
Sergeant,  September  7th,  1864;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

McPherson,  Austin  L.,  died  of  disease,  December  4th,  1863. 

Newsom,  Thomas  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Okes,  David,  deserted,  February  1st,  1865. 

Paxson,  Thomas,  deserted,  August  12th,  1862. 
Reily,  Thomas  J.,  discharged,  February  26th,  1863. 
Rockwell,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Roberts1  ,Tahn,  deserted,  August  7th,  1862. 
Robinson,  George  W.,  died  of  wounds,  May  16th,  1864. 
Relrdon,  Thomas,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 


326  '     REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 

Richardson,  James,  died  of  disease,  April  5th,  1863. 

Richardson,  Edward,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Richardson,  Alfred,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Rawles,  John,  deserted,  August  18th,  1862. 

Reed,  Robert,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Randall,  William  H.,  deserted,  February  1st,  1865. 

Button,  John  D.,  died  of  disease,  November  5th,  1863. 

Steele,  William,  died  of  disease,  October  28th,  1863. 

Strock,  Sampson,  died  of  disease,  March  7th,  1863. 

^ihaw,  Frank  F.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Shoey,  John,  deserted,  November  21st,  1862. 

Shipley,  Joseph,  discharged,  December  23rd,  1863. 

Stewart,  Thomas,  died  in  rebel  prison,  February ,  1865. 

stunt  on,  Albert  D.,  died  of  disease,  April  13th,  1863. 

Sargent,  Richard,  promoted  to  Corporal,  April  24th,  1865;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Shap,  Peter  P.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  September  7th,  1864 ;  to 
Sergeant,  April  24th,  1863;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Tuttle,  James  M.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Wagner,  Irby  S.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  November  10th,  1862 ;  to 
Commissary  Sergeant,  July  4th,  1864;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Wagner,  Abram,  discharged,  March  24th,  1863. 

Wagner,  Hegerman,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Whits itt,  Eddy,  transferred  to  United  States  Army. 

Williams,  Ephraim  T.,  deserted,  February  1st,  1865. 

Watts,  John  G.,  died  of  disease,  October  26th,  1862. 

Warsham,  Charles  W.,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Yoder,  David,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Recruits,  Received  January  Klh,  1S65. 

Bracken,  Thomas  M.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Blauser,  Solomon,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Barr,  Martin,  never  reported  for  duty. 
Blood,  Andrew,  never  reported  for  duty. 
Barry,  Edward,  never  reported  for  duty. 
Burns,  James,  never  reported  for  duty. 
Crawford,  James  L.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Campbell,  William  B.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Didler,  Francis,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Everett,  Michael,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Epps,  Lemuel,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Qlessner,  Samuel,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Glancey,  James  D.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Gilbert,  Alexander,  detached.  May  31st,  1865. 
Gibson,  Charles,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Hahn,  George,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Hipshire,  Jonathan,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Kegg,  William,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Lock,  Robert,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 


REGIMENTAL  tfEGISTEB.  3i7 


Liggett,  llobert  A.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Maddox,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Mann,  Benjamin,  discharged,  Jane  8th,  1865. 
McDanlel,  Jesse,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Mier,  Andrew,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Parsons,  Benjamin,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Patterson,  James,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Scarbaugh,  Ezeklel,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Studybaker,  Henry,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Stahl,  Thomas,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Thompson,  Henry,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Urich,  Joseph,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Urich,  Daniel,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Veenker,  Henry,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Wikle,  Jacob,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Whitaker,  Joseph,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Walker,  John  E.,  detached,  May  31st,  1665. 
Wilcoxen,  Caleb  L.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Watson,  Thomas,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Watkins,  William  S.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 


Co.  B. 

LINE  OFFICERS. 

Captain — Elbert  D.  Baldwin,  promoted  to  Major,  September  12th, 
1863;  to  Lieutenant  Colonel,  January  6th,  1863;  resigned,  April  30th, 
1865. 

lit  Lieutenant — Frank  H.  Aveline,  promoted  to  Captain,  September 
13th,  1863;  killed,  November  25th,  1863. 

2nd  Lietttenant — William  II.  Harrison,  promoted  to  1st  Lieutenant, 
September  13th,  1863;  to  Captain,  February  1st,  1861;  discharged, 
June  8th,  1865. 
» 

NON-COMMISSIONED  OFFICERS.     -^ 

Orderly  Sergeant — Alfred  L.  Stoney,  promoted  to  2nd  Lieutenant, 
December  28th,  1863 ;  to  1st  Lieutenant,  February  1st,  1864 ;  discharged, 
June  8th,  1865. 

Snd  Sergeant— Claude  Hugenard,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

3rd  Sergeant— Charles  Fisher,  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant,  Feb- 
ruary 1st,  1865 ;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Uh  Sergeant — James  Strouse,  promoted  to  2nd  Lieutenant,  March 
4th,  1864;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

5th  Sergeant—  Eugene  Baldwin,  discharged,  November  20th,  1862. 

1st  Corporal— George  Hare,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  January  1st, 
1863;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

fnd  Corporal—  Ferdinand  King,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  March  1st, 
1S64;  discharged,  June  8th.  1865. 


328  REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 

Srd  Corporal— Isaac  M.  Church,  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant,  Jan- 
uary 1st,  1864 ;  died  of  disease,  February  12th,  1865. 
Wh  Corporal  —George  M.  Bur  well,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
5th  Corporal— Stillman  P.  Tasker,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
6th  Corporal— Albert  Benson,  died  of  disease,  March  18th,  1863. 
7th  Corporal— Addisbn  K.  Bell,  died  of  disease,  April  16th,  1863. 
SthOorporal —  Marvin  J.  Carey,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Musician — "William  Morrison,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Wagoner— Jefferson  Clark,  transferred  to  Veteran  Eeserve  Corps. 


Andrews,  Thomas,  discharged,  October  27th,  1862. 

Akers,  Robert,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Amspaugh,  Emanuel  J.,  deserted,  January  24th,  1864. 

Bowers,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Rradley,  Lucius,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Bergen,  William  B.,  discharged,  March  Srd,  1863. 

Broth  well,  George  T.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  January  1st,  1864; 
discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Buser,  George,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Butler,  Albert  J.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Branyan,  Joseph,  promoted  to  Corporal,  April  1st,  1863;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Bondie,  Joseph,  died  of  disease,  April  5th,  1865. 

Case,  George,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Crispell,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Connett,  Martin,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Corran,  Michael,  deserted,  September,  20th,  1864. 

Evard,  Charles,  died  of  disease,  November  Srd,  1863. 

Edmonds,  Thomas,  died  of  disease,  May  Srd,  1864. 

Edwards,  Marvin,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Freck,  Frederick,  promoted  to  Corporal,  January  1st,  1864 ;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Freck,  Henry,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Foster,  Albert,  died  of  disease,  August  25th,  1863. 

Grumo,  August,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Grumo,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Grubb,  David  F.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865." 

Gray,  George  II.,  discharged  June  8th,  1865. 

Gray  John  B.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Gray,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Grove,  Daniel,  died  of  disease,  December  20th,  1862. 

Hague,  Samuel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hays,  William  G.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  January  1st,  1864;  to 
Sergeant,  March  1st,  1865;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Iba,  Wesley,  died  of  disease,  September  10th,  1863. 

Isbell,  Frank,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Isbell,  Charles,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 


REGIMENTAL   REGISTER.  8iI9 

Isbell,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Inks,  George,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Jones,  George  F.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865 

Joslinc,  George  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Johnson,  James,  deserted,  November  1st,  1862. 

Kayser,  Frederick,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Kinsey,  Israel  II.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  March  1st,  1863;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1806. 

Kratle,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Kincade,  Jacob,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Knapp,  Orlando  J.,  rtiscliarged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Kennedy,  John,  discharged,  June  Stli,  1865. 

Lacroix,  Joseph,  deserted,  August  17th,  1862. 

Lobdell,  Asbury,  died  of  disease,  February  20th,  1865. 

Miller,  Casper,  killed,  November  25th,  1863. 

McCall,  James,  deserted,  August  20th,  1862. 

Myers,  Frederick,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Merrilett,  August,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Merrllett,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  18«5. 

Merrilefct,  Louis,  died  of  disease,  November  7th,  1864. 

Manuel,  Julius,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Mawhorter,  William  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Miner,  Plum  P.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Noel,  John  B.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Ogden,  John  W.,  promoted  to  Quartermaster  Sergeant,  May  6th, 
1864;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Oberly,  Christian,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Preston,  Russell  EL,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Ryan,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1805. 

Rima,  Orrin,  discharged,  June  8th,  1862. 

Reher,  Thomas,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Roath,  Lev!,  discharged,  June  8th  1865. 

Roginson,  Peter,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Ridenbaugh,  Henry,  killed,  November  25th,  1863. 

Seman,  Frank,  died  of  disease,  February  22nd,  1863. 

Smith,  George  R.,  died  of  disease,  October  12th,  1863, 

Smith  Henry,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Stoops,  Samuel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Swank,  Samuel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Smoke,  Charles,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Smoke,  Frederick,  discharged,  January  24th,  1863. 

Sabin,  Albert  W.,  discharged,  January  17th,  1863. 

Stewart,  Annanias,  discharged,  January  10th,  1863. 

Stewart,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Todd,  Clark  F.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Turney,  Peter,  deserted,  August  17th,  1862. 

Vandewal  ker,  James  G.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Walters,  Moses,  died  of  disease,  October  23rd,  1863. 

Williams,  William  H.,  died  of  disease,  September  20th,  1864. 


330  REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 

Weeks,  William  H.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  April  1st,  1864;  dis- 
charged, Jane  8th,  1865. 

Weeks,  Adam,  died  of  wound,  August  10th,  1861. 
Welsmantel,  Peter  J.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Winebrenner,  Christopher,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Wright,  Silas  J.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Zimmerman,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Zimmerman,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Recruits,  Received  January ,  ZS&4. 

Bradley,  Luther,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
•    Brackney,  George  W.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Brower,  Reuben  L.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
fHackman,  Sylvester,  detached,  May,  31st,  1865. 
Bruner,  Franklin,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Clelland,  Jonathan  W.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
De  Camp,  Simson,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Fisher,  Moses,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Kleckenger,  Philip,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Lobdell,  Taylor,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Miner,  Eli  W.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Preston,  Leonard  G.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Perru,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Bamsby,  Ephraim,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Russell,  William  H.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Stuck,  Daniel,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Slater,  Silas  L.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Saltzgiver,  Franklin,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Schwartz,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Shaffer,  John  D.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Scranton,  Francis  W.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Winebrenner,  James,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Worden,  George  E^  died  of  disease,  March  1st,  1864. 


Co.  C. 

LINE  OFFICEBS. 

Captain— David  P.  Cubberly,  resigned,  February  5th,  1863. 

l»t  lAeutenant — Hezekiah  Beeson,  promoted  to  Captain,  March  1st, 
1863;  died  of  wound,  February  loth,  1864. 

tnd  Lieutenant — Edward  S.  Lenfesty,  promoted  to  1st  Lieutenant, 
March  1st,  1863 ;  to  Captain,  April  22nd,  1864 ;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

NON-COMMISSIOXED  OFFICERS. 

Orderly  Sergeant — Charles  F.  Mather,  promoted  to  2nd  Lieutenant, 
March  1st,  1863;  to  1st  Lieutenant,  April  20th,  1864;  resigned,  Septem- 
ber 23rd,  1864. 

ind  Sergeant—  Milford  D.  Jones,  died  of  disease,  January  13th.  1864. 


REGIMENTAL  REGISTER.  331 

9rd  Sergeant— William  E.  Darter,  died  in  rebel  prison, ,  1884. 

Uh  Sergeant — George  H.  Williams,  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant, 
February  5th,  1883;  to  1st  Lieutenant,  November  9th,  1864;  discharged, 
June  8th,  1865. 

Blh  Sergeant — Andrew  Woolpert,  discharged,  November  22nd,  1862. 

1st  Corporal— William  P.  Thrasher,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Snd  Corporal — Klihu  II.  Cox,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  February  5th, 
1863;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

3rd  Corporal — William  Barnhouse,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Uh  Corporal— John  Dunn,  died  of  disease,  March  20th,  1863. 

6th  Corporal— Francis  W.  Malott,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  September 
25th,  1863;  discharged  June  8th,  1865. 

6th  Corporal— Adin  J.  Wiles,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  February  5th, 
1863 ;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

7th  Cvrpwal— William  Bradwick,  killed,  August  30th,  1865. 

8th  Corporal —William  H.  Ellis,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  February  5th, 
1862;  to  Orderly  Sergeant,  January  28th,  1865;  discharged,  June  8th, 
1865. 

Musician—  William  H.  Bowman,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Musician— James  M.  Evans,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

PBIVATES. 

Arnold,  John  J.  promoted  to  Corporal,  February  10th,  1863;  dis- 
charged, March  13th,  1865. 

Alexander,  Enoch,  discharged,  April  2nd,  1863. 

Allen,  Henry,  discharged,  September  9th,  1863. 

Allen,  Lewis,  died  of  disease,  March  6th,  1863. 

Allen,  Victory,  discharged, ,  1865. 

Adams,  William  8.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Beeman,  Cornelius,  died  of  disease,  March  1st,  1865. 

Ballinger,  John,  died  of  disease,  August  15th,  1863. 

Barton,  Joshua,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Bradfleld,  James,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Bevard,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Beckman,  Jacob,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Brandon,  Benjamin,  discharged,  April  8th,  1863. 

Craig,  George,  died  of  disease,  January  13th,  1863. 

Creviston,  Levi,  died  of  disease,  March  6th,  1863. 

Chalmers,  Goldsmith,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Drnly,  Samuel  E.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  November  9th,  1864;  dis- 
charged June  8th,  1865. 

Downs,  Caleb  W.,  died  of  disease,  August  29th,  1863. 

Day,  Nathaniel  W.,  discharged,  February  28th,  1863. 

Dewey,  Charles  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Edwards,  Emanuel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Edington,  Samuel,  discharged,  April  24th,  1863. 

Elwood,  David  R.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 


332  REGIMENTAL   REGISTER. 

Frazee,  Jesse  D.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  November  9th,  1864;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Fleener,  Jasper,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Floyd  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Qoodrick,  Andrew,  discharged,  February  25th  1863. 

Grey,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Oilpin,  George  W.,  discharged,  June  8th  1865. 

Gilpin,  Andrew  J.,  died  of  disease,  December  10th,  1862. 

Grindle,  James  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hunt,  Nathan,  discharged,  June  8th  1865. 

Hays,  Hiram  P.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  November  1st,  1862;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Halstead,  William  F.,  died  of  disease,  August  8th,  1863. 

Hahn,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Huff,  Marshall  N.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  November  9th,  1864 ;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Hedrick,  George,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hollings worth,  Joseph,  deserted,  March  6th,  1863. 

Hulls,  John  B.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  December  9th,  1862 ;  to  Sex- 
geant,  November  9th,  1864 ;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Jump,  Gustavus  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Joslyn,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Kelly,  William  H.,  died  of  wound,  December  20th,  1863. 

Lenox,  Edwin,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Lowry,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Mills,  Jonathan,  discharged,  February  23rd,  1863. 

Meisse,  William,  died  of  wound,  September  19th,  1862. 

Miller,  Vinton,  promoted  to  Corporal,  December  8th,  1863 ;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Miller,  Abram,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Miller,  Jordan,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Malott,  Jacob,  discharged,  Jnne  8th,  1865. 

Mann,  Michael,  discharged,  December  30th,  1862. 

Metzger,  William,  discharged,  August  25th,  1864. 

Metzger,  Jacob  W.,  discharged,  October  21st,  1862. 

McClaln,  Samuel,  died  of  disease,  October  30th,  1864. 

Motter,  Cyrus,  appointed  2n'd  Lieut.  Twelfth  Tenn.  Cavalry. 

Mowbray,  William  E.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  February  10th,  1863 ; 
discharged,  November  9th,  1864. 

Marshall,  John  R.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Odom,  William  A.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  December  9th,  1862; 
discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Price,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Pursley,  Jacob,  discharged,  December  1st,  1863. 

Powell,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Persnett,"Thomas,  killed,  August  30th,  1862.    • 

Beniker,  Elias  B.,  discharged,  Jnne  8th,  1865. 

Bush,  Perry,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Sutton,  William  H.,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 


REGIMENTAL  REGISTER.  333 

Scott,  John,  died  of  wound,  August  24th,  1864. 

Scott,  Calvin,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Stewart,  John,  promoted  to  Corporal,  April  9th,  1863 ;  discharged, 
June  8th,  1865. 

Schooler,  William  A.,  died  of  disease,  March  18th,  1863. 

Strebin,  Frederick,  deserted,  October  8th,  1§62. 

Swank,  David,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Snyder,  James,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Shane,  William,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Shook,  Elijah,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Stilwell,  Samuel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Shields,  John,  promoted  to  Corporal,  February  10th,  1863 ;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Thrasher,  Amos,  deserted,  December  9th,  1863. 

Titus,  Samuel  W.,  discharged,  November  9th,  1864. 

Veach,  George  M.',  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

White  Andrew  J.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Williams,  George,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Wolf,  George  N.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Whitezell,  John,  promoted  to  Corporal,  December  15th,  1863 ;  to 
Sergeant,  December  22nd,  1863;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Witham,  Morris  O.,  died  of  wound,  June  3rd,  1864. 

Witham,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Jtecruita,  Received  January  llth,  1865. 

Bond,  Henry,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Coulter,  Miles  P.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Conklin,  David  C.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Castiel,  Lorenzo  D.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Carney,  Nelson,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Cook,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Duskey,  James,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Dougherty,  James,  detached,  May  81st,  1865. 
Fry,  David  F.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Haynes,  William  H.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Hardesty,  Joshua  H.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Lambert,  Francis,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Lang,  Richard,  killed  by  accident,  March  10th,  1865. 
Shearer,  Chauncey,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Starr,  George  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
White,  Milton,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 


Oo.  D. 

MNB  OFFICERS. 

Captain— George  Bowman,  resigned,  March  30th,  1864. 
1st  Lieutenant— John  A.  Blackwell,  appointed  Surgeon  of  One  Hun- 
dred and  Fifteenth  Indiana  Volunteers,  September  12th.  1863. 


334  REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 

fnd  Lieutenant— Benjamin  F.  Price,  promoted  to  Captain,  May  6th 
1864 ;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

NON-COMMISSIONED  OFFICERS. 

Orderly  Sergeant— Lewis  Murray,  promoted  to  1st  Lieutenant,  Sep- 
tember 6th,  1864 ;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Snd  Sergeant— Joseph  H.  Rook,  died  of  wound,  November  1st,  1862. 

Srd  Sergeant— Oliver  B.  Glascock,  died  of  disease,  March  17th,  1864. 

Mh  Sergeant— Amos  J.  Osborne,  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant,  Sep- 
tember 7th,  1864 ;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

6th  Sergeant—  David  Laing,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

1st  Corporal — Joseph  W.  Elliott,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  April  30th, 
1864;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Snd  Corporal— William  Irelan,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  October  31st, 
1862;  discharged,  February  6th,  1864. 

Srd  Corporal — John  H.  Cartmell,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Uh  Corporal— John  H.  Shultz,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  April  30th, 
1864;  discharged,  December  12th,  1864. 

Mh  Corporal — John  W.  Brown,  discharged  June  8th,  1865. 

6th  Corporal— Benjamin  F.  Sandifer,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  Sep- 
tember 7th,  1864;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

7th  Corporal— Samuel  D.  Mclntire,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

8th  Corporal—  Isaac  E.  Jones,  died  of  disease,  January  26th,  1863. 

Musician— James  B.  Smith,  discharged,  February  28th,  1863. 

Musician— John  W.  Bunnell,  killed  by  accident,  July  16th,  1863. 

Wagoner— Washington  Ouster,  died  of  disease,  February  18th,  1863. 


Barnes,  James  E.,  discharged,  June  8th,1865. 

Barnes,  Richard  H.  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Birge,  Willard,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Boussum,  Asbnry,  deserted,  February  28th,  1863. 

Brannan,  William  H.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  December  12th,  1864; 

discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Brown,  Elias  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Brown,  James  S.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Bunnell,  Samuel  R.,  died  of  disease,  August  28th,  1863. 
Colvin,  George  W.,  died  of  disease,  March  4th,  1863. 
Colvin,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Cloud,  Richard  M.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Comer,  William  C.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Cole,  Benjamin  F.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Coshow,  Henry  C.,  died  of  disease,  September  5th,  1863. 
Cook,  William  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Davis,  John  S.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Davis,  James,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Davis,  George  W.,  died  of  disease,  February  14th,  1863. 
Dem,  Silas,  died  of  disease,  February  17th,  1863. 


REGIMENTAL  REGISTEE.  335 

Dickey,  Samuel,  died  of  wound,  August  3rd,  1864. 

Denton,  Henry  H.,  discharged  June  8th,  1865. 

Dunkin,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1885. 

Daffron,  George  M.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Edwards,  James  H.,  promoted  to  Corporal, ,  1863 ;  discharged, 

June  8th,  1865. 

Elliott,  George  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Eldridge,  Franklin,  died  of  disease,  March  2nd,  1863. 

French,  James  F.,  died  of  disease,  March  18th,  1864. 

Fisher,  Joseph,  died  of  disease,  January  7th,  1864. 

Glazier,  Benjamin  B.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Glascock,  John  W.,  discharged,  April  20th,  1863. 

Gillum,    Allen  W.,  died  of  disease,  November  3rd,  1862. 

Hall,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Henderson,  James  P.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  December  13th,  1864; 
discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hay,  George,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Herrou,  Cornelius,  deserted,  November  22nd,  1862. 

Herron,  Jonathan,  died  of  disease,  November  14th,  1863. 

Irelan,  Thomas  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Irelan,  John  G.,  died  of  disease,  April  30th,  1863. 

Johnson,  Hampton  I).,  died  of  disease,  March  4th,  1863. 

Johnson,  John  C.,  discharged,  June  27th,  1863. 

John  ,  Edwin  B.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Kendall,  George  S.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  April  30th,  1864 ;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Kious,  Milo,  discharged,  November  4th,  1863. 

Kromm,  Frederick,  discharged,  January  1st,  1863. 

Kingsberry,  Clement  C.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Kingsberry,  Charles,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Lesourd,    David  G.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Little,  William  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Little,  Robert  T.,  killed,  July  22nd,  1864.      . 

Lucas,  Benjamin  F.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Lunback,  Isaac  J.  K.  discharged,  February  19th,  1863. 

Loughry,  Joseph  E.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

McManis,  Thomas  B.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

McMahon,  Robert,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

McCormtck,  Benjamin,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

McCoy,  Quinton,  died  of  disease,  June ,  1864. 

Merica,  Joseph,  deserted,  September  10th,  1862. 

Mason,  James  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Miller,  Elihu  B.,  died  of  wound,  September  20th,  1862. 

Netherton,  George  A.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Parcells,  William  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Pugh,  John  T.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Reed,  Francis  M.,  died  of  disease,  March  28th,  1864. 

Reiger,  George,  discharged.  June  8th,  1865. 

Rider,  James,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 


S36  BEGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 

Roberts,  Edwin  R.,  discharged,  May  26th,  1863. 

Russell,  John  M.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Shaffer,  John  P.,  discharged  June  8th,  1865. 

Shigley,  John,  killed,  May  13th,  1865. 

Shigley,  Lewis,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Shipley,  George  W.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  April  30th,  1864;  to 
Sergeant,  March  12th,  1865;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Smith,  David  G.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Smith,  Adam  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Sines,  James  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Sprecker.  Henry,  discharged,  November  17th,  1862. 

Stacy,    Charles  R.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Skevington,  William,  killed,  November  25th,  1863. 

Sluthour,  George  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Shoemaker,  William  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Stow,  Samuel,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Sleeth,  William  H.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  April  30th,  1865;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Scott,  Harvey  E.,  killed,  July  22nd,  1865. 

Tedford,  John  O.,  died  of  disease,  March  4th,  1865. 

Tilton,  Zebnlon  S.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Todd,  Enoch  M.,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Todd,  Henry  R.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Vanscoy,  Jacob,  killed,  November  25th,  1863. 

Vanscoy,  James  S.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

•v 

Recruits,  Received  January  ISQi,  186$. 

Bolinger,  John  W.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Brown,  Alexander,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Cover,  Oliver  P.,  detached,  May,  31st,  1865. 
Cleland,  Solomon,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Dimit,  Joseph,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Dames,  Daniel,  died  of  disease,  January  18th,  1865. 
Eppie,  George,  never  reported  to  Company. 
Eakright,  William,  detached,  June  8th,  1865. 
Golden,  Samuel,  detached,  June  8th,  1865. 
Gray,  Frank,  never  reported  to  Company. 
Hatten,  William  J.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Newton,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Ranck,  William,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 


Co.  E. 

LINE  OFFICERS. 

Captain— Samuel  M.  Rooker,  resigned,  December  22nd,  1862. 
•1st  Lieutenant— Thomas  N.  Peoples,  promoted  to  Captain,  March 
1st,  1863;  killed,  May  13th,  1864. 
tnd  Lieutenant  —  Caleb  Day,  died  of  wound,  September  25th.  1862. 


REGIMENTAL  REGISTER.  837 

NON-COMMISSIONED  OFFICERS. 

Orderly  Sergeant — Robert  R.  Scott,  promoted  to  2nd  Lieutenant, 
November  22nd,  1862;  to  1st  Lieutenant,  December  23rd,  1862;  to  Cap- 
tain, June  8th,  1861;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

2nd  Sergeant— Samuel  Shenafelt,  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant, 
November  22nd,  1862;  to  2nd  Lieutenant,  March  1st,  1863;  to  1st  Lieu- 
tenant, June  8th,  1864;  resigned,  September  23rd,  1864. 

3rd  Sergeant— Qreenleaf  N.  Gilbert,  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant, 
March  1st,  1863 ;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Itth  Sergeant— John  H.  Rusie,  promoted  to  1st  Lieutenant,  Novem- 
ber 9th,  18C4;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

5lh  Sergeant— Joseph  R.  Hawk,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

1st  Corporal— William  Curnutt,  died  of  disease,  August  3rd,  1864. 

tnd  Corporal—  Israel  E.  Kirk,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Srd  Corporal— Joshua  H.  Woodward,  promoted  to  Sergeant^ , 

1863;  killed,  November  23th,  1863. 

Uh  Corporal—  Michael  F.  Arnold,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  November 
13th,  1861 ;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

5lh  Corporal— Elisha  Bearing,  died  of  wound,  December  30th,  1863. 

6th  Corporal— Benjamin  F.  Perce,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  March  1st, 
1863;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

7th  Corporal— Vincent  Carter,  discharged,  April  2nd,  1863, 

8th  Corporal— Joseph  R.  Q,uinn,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps. 

Musician— Nathan  A.  Hunt,  discharged,  February  28th,  1863. 

Musician— Abraham  C.  Hill,  discharged,  November  30th,  1862. 

Wagoner — William  Ware,  died  of  disease,  March  18th,  1863. 

PBIVATES. 

Andrew^  William  H.,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 
Berge,  Richard,  died  of  wound,  September  14th,  1862. 
Bray,  William  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Bray,  Eli,  died  of  disease,  February  24th,  1863. 
Ballard,  Alfred  H.,  died  of  disease,  June  19th,  1863. 
Billiard,  Asa  G.,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 
Tayliff,  William  D.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
ftayliff,  Henry  H.,  died  of  wound,  August  4th,  1864. 
Copenhaver,  Andrew,  discharged,  March  2nd,  1863, 
Cox,  Harmon  B.,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 
Carter,  Thomas  F.,  died  of  wound,  May  31st,  1864. 
Carter,  Amos,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Clapp,  James  R.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Curnutt,  John,  died  of  disease,  July  14th,  1864. 
Cahill,   Michael,   promoted  to  Corporal,    March   1st,  1863;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Day,  Evan,  died  of  disease,  October  27th,  1863. 
Day,  Warner  L..  discharged.  June  8th.  1865. 
P 


REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 

Donovan,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Donovan,  Benjamin  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Estices,  Wiley,  died  of  disease,  January  6th,  1803. 

Ely,  William  H.,  killed,  June  28th,  1861. 

Evans,  Harvey,  died  in  Libby  Prison,  April  3rd,  1864. 

Fields,  David,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Frances,  Jesse,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Fultz,  Thomas  B.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  November  13th,  1864; 
discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Ferguson,  Finley  H.,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Greeson,  Jacob,  died  of  disease,  April  3rd,  1863. 

Greeson,  William  H.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  March  1st,  1865;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865.  

Green,  Hiram  A.  L.,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  August  4th,  1863;  dis- 
charged, June  Sth,  1865. 

Heiner,  Harrison  B.,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Hutchinson,  William  B.,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Hardwick,  Robert,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Hadley,  David,  died  of  disease,  June  2nd,  1863. 

Hutson,  James  A.,  died  in  Libby  Prison,  December  27th,  1863. 

Johnson,  Amos,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Johnson,  James,  died  of  disease,  Octol>er  31st,  1862. 

Jones,  Eleazer,  member  of  Band,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Johns,  Samuel  L.,  deserted,  May  13th,  1864. 

Linthicum,  Hezekiah  K.,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Moss,  George,  deserted,  March  29th,  1863. 

Marshall,  Reuben,  died  of  disease,  July  18th,  1863. 

McCrary,  Gustavus,  died  of  disease,  March  27th,  1864. 

McNabb,  James  E.,  died  of  disease,  September  Sth,  1863. 

Mills,  John,  promoted  to  Corporal,  October  15th,  1862;  discharged, 
June  8th,  1865. 

McPherson,  Corry,  discharged,  November  18th,  1S62. 

Mesler,  William,  deserted,  August  ISth,  18(i2. 

Mitchell,  William,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Poe,  Thomas,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Poe,  Isaac  8.,  discharged  June  Sth,  1865. 

Petitt,  Milton  V.,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Pointer,  Joseph,  killed,  August  30th,  18fi2. 

Patram,  Hiram,  died  of  disease,  April  12th,  1863. 

Patram,  Peter,  died  of  disease,  October  15th,  1863. 

Parker,  Thomas,  died  in  Libby  Prison,  November  21st,  1863. 

Rush  ton,  Jesse  C.,  member  of  Band,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Rushton,  Caleb  C.,  discharged, ,  1865. 

Ray,  Elisha  F.,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Rains,  Jefferson,  died  of  disease,  October  31st  1864. 

Roe,  Andrew  J.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Richardson,  Robert  N.,  discharged,  May  llth,  1865. 

Robinson,  William,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Rudicil,  George,  discharged,  February  28th,  1863. 


REGIMENTAL   REGISTER.  339 

Robinson,  Charles,  deserted,  August  18th,  1882. 

Swearengen,  John  E.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Spoon,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Stanton,  Lewis  B.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Snipes,  William  K.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  August  28th,  1862;  to 

Sergeant,  December  1st,  1863;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Sumn«r,  Caswell  B.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  October  31st,  1862;' 

discharged,  June  8th,1865. 

Soots,  John  R.,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 
Trimble,  Allen,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Thomson,  William,  deserted,  May  1st,  1864. 
Thompson,  John,  died  of  disease,  April  10th,  1863. 
Thompson,  Daniel,  died  of  disease,  February  15th,  1863. 
Thornburg,  John  C.,  died  of  disease,  October  6th,  1862. 
Wood,  Hiram,  died  of  disease,  November  13th,  1863. 
Williams,  Thomas  E.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Williams,  John  D.,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 
Zimmerman,  Johu  K.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Recruits,  Received  January  teth,  1865. 

Andrews,  William,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Bnntain,  Eli  W.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Bun  tain,  Moses,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Baker,  Zachariah  J.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Curts,  Joseph,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Conklin,  Addison  G.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Chambers,  Elias,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Daily,  John  H.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Dildine,  Ralph,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Davis,  William,  detached,  May  3lst,  1865. 
Dock,  Frederick,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Dawson,  George,  detached,  May  3Ist,  1865. 
Deahnff,  Abram,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Fields,  William  H.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Fritzsinger,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Haflick,  William,  detached,  May  31st,  1865.  ^ 

Hartman,  Levi  P.,  died  of  disease,  January ,  1S65. 

Hughes,  George  A.,  never  reported  to  Company. 
Hart,  Thomas,  never  reported  to  Company. 
Hudson,  Edwin,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Hemline,  Peter,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Jameson,  Joseph,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Kessler,  Jacob,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Miller,  John  G.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Myers,  James,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
McGee,  Elisha,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Niblick,  Robert,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Raw,  Matthias,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Spade,  Jacob,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 


840  REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 

Stolz,  Adam,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Sunday,  Frederick,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Walker,  Albert,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Walker,  John  W.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 


Co.  F. 

LINE  OFFICERS. 

Captain — Samuel  Boughter,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
1st  Lieutenant  —  Alonzo  II.  Hubbard,  discharged,  June  8th, 1865. 
2nd  Lieutenant— Edward  II.  Webster,  promoted  to  Captain,  Com- 
pany A,  April  29th,  1864 ;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

NOX-COMMISSIONED  OFFICERS. 

Orderly  Sergeant — Marshall  H.  Parks,  promoted  to  Sergeant  Major, 
February  22nd,  1863;  to  Adjutant,  February  6th,  1864;  discharged, 
June  8th,  1865. 

2nd  Sergeant— Thomas  C.  Lessig,  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant, 
February  22nd,  1863;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

3rd  Sergeant — Alfred  W.  Scott,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Uh  Sergeant — Renjamin  W.  Mankin,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

5th  Sergeant — Francis  M.  Conklin,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

1st  Corporal— George  Philpott,  deserted,  October  26th,  1863. 
Snd  Corporal — Peter  Strow,  died  of  wound,  June  25th,  1864. 
3rd  Corporal— William  J.  Ervin,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  May  21st, 
1863 ;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Uh  Corporal— John  W.  Miller,  discharged,  November  1st,  1863. 

6th  Corporal—  -Baanah  Birt,  discharged,  June ,  1865. 

6th  Corporal— John  F.  Hyde,  discharged,  June ,  1865. 

7th  Corporal — Joseph  Coar,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

8th  Corporal— Wesley  F.  Mitchell,  died  of  disease,  January  12th,  1864. 

Musician — Daniel  I).  Lightner,  died  of  disease, ,  1863. 

Wagoner— James  M.  Alexander,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

PRIVATES. 

Adams,  Moses  F.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Alter,  John,  died  of  disease,  January  28th,  1863. 

Barker,  David,  died  of  disease,  January  26th,  1863. 

Barbour,-  Sylvester,  discharged,  December  7th,  1863. 

Boulton,  Benjamin  E.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Boulton,  Thomas  R.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  January  3rd,  1863;  to 

Sergeant,  January  1st,  1865;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Bowmaster,  John,  died  of  disease,  September  16th,  1863. 
Blackford,  William  R.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Behner,  Ephraim,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Berg,  John  W.,  deserted,  February  3rd,  1863. 
Bowen,  William  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 


REGIMENTAL  REGISTER.  341 

Bowen,  Williaru  Hugh,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Bowen,  Thomas,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Boweu  James  A.,  died  of  disease,  September  11th,  1863. 

Beeson,  Harmon,  died  of  wound,  September  4th,  1862. 

Basore,  John  H.,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Church,  John,  died  of  disease,  September  7th,  1863. 

Cochran,' Nathan  C.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Compton,  James,  discharged,  June  8th,  1^6-3. 

Darr,  John  H.,  died  of  disease,  January  30th,  1863. 

Dulaney,  Dennis,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Fowler,  Nelson  D.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Foorman,  Irvin,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Gross,  Abraham,  died  of  disease,  October  10th,  1863. 

Glanvill,  George,  deserted,  May  1st,  1864. 

Gibson,  John,  deserted,  November  loth,  1862. 

Gillam,  Dabner,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Gerard,  Edward,  died  of  disease,  August  23rd,  1863. 

Graham,  John  B.,  died  of  wound,  September  5th,  1862. 

Humble,  Samuel  C.,  drowned,  February  28th,  1865. 

Hendershott,  Isaac,  died  of  disease,  July  12th,  1863. 

Hart,  Cyrus,  died  of  disease,  January  17th,  1863. 

Hall,  James  M.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hale,  Andrew  J.,  deserted,  August  loth,  1862. 

Harrold,  Edward,  deserted,  September  10th,  1862. 

Ivans,  Henry,  deserted,  Jannary  6th,  1863. 

Jacques,  Francis  M.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  January  1st,  1865 ;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  186-3. 

Jordan,  Jesse  J.,  killed,  July  22nd,  1861. 

Kirkpatrick,  Isaac,  died  of  disease,  April  7th,  1863, 

Kyle,  David,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Koonts,  Simon,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Keith,  Isaac  M.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Lengcl,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Lightner,  Martin  B.,  died  of  disease,  September  2nd,  1863. 

Miller,  Franklin,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Mitchell,  John  C.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Murphy,  Dennis,  discharged,  June  8th,  lSfi.3. 

Milbern,  Austin,  discharged,  June  17th,  1863. 

McKeehan,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

McCartney,  David,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

McDonell,  Robert,  deserted,  December  8th,  1862. 

Messersmith,  Andrew  J.,  died  of  disease,  April  25th,  1863. 

Mercer,  John  W.,  died  in  rebel  prison,  July  25th,  1864. 

McGinley,  William  R.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  April  3rd,  1863 ;  dis- 
charged,   ,  1865. 

McBride,  Henry,  promoted  to  Corporal,  March  22nd,  1863;  died  of 
disease,  November  12th,  1863. 

Morr,  Philip,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Magner,  Jonathan,  promoted  to  Corporal,  October  22nd,  1862; 
died  of  disease.  March  14th.  1863. 


342  REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 

McKeehan,  Benjamin  W.,  died  of  disease,  October  2nd,  1862. 

Parks,  Lawrence,  promoted  to  Corporal,  February  22nd,  1863  • 
killed,  July  22nd,  186$. 

Paxson,  William  L.,  died  of  disease,  July  25th,  1863. 

Peterson,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Rupe,  Francis  M.,  died  of  disease,  November  18th,  1862. 

Rea,  James  O.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  November  2nd,  1862 ;  to  Ser- 
geant, February  21st,  186-5 ;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Smith,  Orrison  L.,  died  of  disease,  September  2nd,  1863. 

Smith,  Charles  P.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Smith,  John  M.,  discharged,  June  18th,  1863. 

Silver,  William  H.,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Spitler,  Darius,  discharged,  November  23rd,  1862. 

Sponseller,  George  W.,  deserted,  February  3rd,  1863. 

Stoler,  Martin  H.,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Stoler,  George  W.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  January  1st,  1865 ;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Swlhart,  Edward,  deserted,  September  9th,  1862. 

Vanhorn,  George,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1S65. 

Vernerder,  Samuel,  promoted  to  Corporal,  May  25th,  1863;  dia-" 
charged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Wade,  William,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Watson,  William  H.,  died  of  disease,  April  3rd,  1864. 

Williams,  Franklin,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Williams,  Harvey  O.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  January  1st,  1865; 
discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Williams,  Joseph  R.,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

White,  Robert,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Whitman,  Christian,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Willard,  John,  discharged,  June  Sth,  1865. 

Wallace,  David,  died  of  disease,  April  26th,  1863. 

Wheeler,  Abel  A.,  died  of  disease,  February  6th,  1863. 

Walton,  Peter  H.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  February  23rd,  1863 ;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Recruits,  Received  January  12th,  1865. 

Blackburn,  Robert  H.,  detached,  May  3lst,  1865. 
Blackburn,  Samuel  W.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Brosend,  William,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
De  Forest,  Curtis  W.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Eskew,  Henry,  died  of  disease,  May  llth,  1865. 
Graham,  David  H.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Harbon,  Thomas,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
House,  Flnley  M.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Helms,  Christian,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
•Hicks,  David  M.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Hoffman,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Jackson,  Jerry,  detached,  May  31st,  1S65. 
Knaval,  Henry,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 


REGIMENTAL  REGISTER.  343 


Lcnn,  John  G.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Lance,  Ewen,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Leach,  William,  M.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Macy,  Francis,  detached,  May  31st,  1SO.>. 
Medcalf,  Thomas  P.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Murphy,  Georgte  W.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Matthews,  George  L.,  detached,  May  31st,  1885. 
Norwood,  James,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Scales,  Andrew  J.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Wood,  William  B.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Wilder,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 


Co.  G. 

LINE  OFFICERS. 

Captain— James  Huston,  died  of  disease,  October  13th,  1864. 
1st  Lieutenant— Eastley  Helms,  resigned,  March  4th,  1864. 
2nd  Lieutenant — Robert  Alfont,  promoted  to  1st  Lieutenant,  April 
29th,  1864;  to  Captain,  January  1st,  1865;  discharged  June  8th,  1865. 

NON-COMMISSIONED  OFFICERS. 

Orderly  Sergeant— Ralph  Copper,  promoted  to  2nd  Lieutenant, 
April  29th,  1864;  to  1st  Lieutenant,  January  1st,  1865;  discharged, 
June  8th,  1865. 

9ntl  Sergeant — Richard  Waterman,  discharged  February  20th,  1863. 

3rd  Sergeant — Abraham  Whelchel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

tth  Sergeant— Thomas  L.  Huston,  died  of  disease,  February  24th, 
1863. 

5th  Sej&eant — Benjamin  F.  Alexander,  discharged,  November  25th, 
1862. 

1st  Cbrporctf— Jacob  Hiday,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  May  1st,  1863; 
discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

2nd  Corporal  —  Ezekiel  B.  Copper,  killed,  November  25th,  1863. 

3rd  Cbrporal — James  Barnard,  died  of  disease,  January  28th,  1861. 

Uh  Curporal—  Milton  Curry,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

5th  Corporal — John  Cottrell,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

6th  Corporal — John  W.  Hiday,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

7th  Corporal— Abraham  D.  Bannon,  died  of  disease,  January  25th, 
1864. 

8th  Cbrporal— Zachariah  Kinnaman,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Musician—  Reuben  M.  Alfont,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Musician— Francis  A.  Kelly,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Wagoner— John  Watterman.discharged,  July  20th,  1863. 

PRIVATES. 


Allison,  Samuel  B.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
AUison,  Richard,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Auont,  Richard,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 


344  REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 

Alexander,  John  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Appleget,  Thomas,  detached,  May,  31st,  1865.. 

Brantlinger,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Boon,  John  B.,  died  of  disease,  August  13th,  1863. 

Bannon,  John  H.,  discharged,  January  12th,  1863. 

Bannon,  Thomas  B.,  died  of  disease,  November  1st,  1863. 

Bannon,  William  C.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Borcharding,  Henry,  discharged,  July  20th,  1863. 

Clark,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Catlin,  Davis,  discharged,  October  llth,  1863. 

Cottrell,  Thomas,  discharged,  January  27th,  186*. 

Chitwood,  Robert,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Copper,  Nathaniel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Copper,  Benjamin,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Crossley,  James,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

r>unham,  James,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Dunham,  George,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Denny,  George,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Dobbins,  Alfred,  discharged^  June  8th,  1865. 

Doty,  William,  died  of  disease,  August  25th,  1863. 

Edmonds,  Henry,  discharged,  September  9th,  1863. 

Ellingwood,  William  H.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Forgey,  Andrew,  promoted  to  Corporal, ,  1863;  died  of  wound. 

May  16th,  1864. 

Forgey,  Hugh,  died  of  wonnd,  June  9th,  1864. 

Faussett,  James,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Gardner,  Archibald,  killed,  July  22nd,  1864. 

Gardner,  John,  died  of  disease,  September  21st,  1863. 

Gardner,  Hiram,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Ginder,  John,  promoted  to  Corporal,  July  10th,  1864 ;  discharged, 
June  8th,  1865. 

Hunter,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hunter,  Melville,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hoover,  Daniel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Huston,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865.  • 

Hiday,  Thomas,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
"  Humphreys,  James,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Humphreys,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

I  hm  I  in,  Charles  V.,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  January  1st,  1863;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Householder,  William,  deserted,  January  6th,  1863. 

Hooker,  Franklin,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Jordan,  James,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Kelly,  George  W.,  killed,  November  25th,  1864. 

Kinnaman,  Levi  M.,  died  of  disease,  September  10th,  1862. 

Kmnaman,  James  M.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Lister,  Samuel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Lister,  James,  died  of  wound,  October  2nd,  1864. 

Lennen,  Peter  B..  died  of  disease,  February  10th,  1863. 


REGIMENTAL  REGISTER.  345 

Lunsford,  Elijah,  promoted  to  Corporal,  May  1st,  1863;  discharged, 
Jane  8th,  1865. 

Lamar,  Henry,  deserted,  November  25th,  1862. 

Myers,  Erasmus,  discharged,  May  1st,  1863. 

Marshall  Elijah,  discharged,  May  1st,  1863. 

Moulden,  James  W.,  killed,  July  22nd,  1864. 

Moulden,  William  H.,  died  of  disease,  September  12th,  1864. 

Monlden,  William  T.,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

McQuire,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

McGuire,  James,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

McGuire,  Ralph,  died  of  disease,  February  6th,  1862, 

McVey,  John,  died  of  disease,  March  5th,  1863. 

Michael,  Lewis,  died  of  disease,  February  23rd,  1883. 

Nichols,  James,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Pyle  Absalom,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Piper,  George  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1885. 

Phillips,  Mark,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Pauly,  Edward,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Reynolds,  John  W.,- discharged,  January  llth,  1883". 

Rash,  John  T.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Rash,  Daniel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Rash,  Thomas  M.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  May  1st,  1883;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Ridenour,  Isaac,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  January  1st,  1863;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Rumler,  Wautly,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Richards,  David  R.,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  November  1st,  1862 ;  to 
Orderly  Sergeant,  May  1st,  1864;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Scott,  William,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Schroy,  Dezra,  prompted  to  Corporal,  May  10th,  1864;  discharged, 
June  8th,  1865. 

Shaffer,  Peter,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Shaffer,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Shaffer,  Milo,  discharged,  June  8th,  1805. 

Shaffer,  Jacob,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Shaffer,  Hiram,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Shaffer,  William,  killed,  August  17th,  1864. 

Steel,  Thomas,  promoted  to  Corporal,  August  10th,  1864 ;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Sample,  John  S.,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  May  1st,  1864;  discharged, 
June  8th,  1865. 

Shull,  Freeman,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Shull,  John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Thomas,  William,  killed,  August  15th,  1864. 

Walker,  Marcellus  B.,  discharged,  January  llth,  1863. 

Walker,  George  D.,  died  of  disease,  April  19th,  1865. 

Whelehel,  John  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Wynn,  David  P.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Wilson,  Amos,  killed,  August  3rd,  1864. 


346  REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 

Wilson,  James,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 
Wright,  William,  died  of  disease,  September  8th,  1863. 
Wiight,  Aaron,  died  of  wound,  May  Wth,  18&4. 
Wiseman,  Joseph  R.,  detached,  May  Slat,  1865. 

Recruit*,  Received  January  12th,  1865. 

Bargiar,  August,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Casper,  James  F.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Frederick,  Charles,  detached,  May  31st,  1885. 
Qeise,  Peter,  detached,  May  31st,  1865, 
Gray,  Daniel,  deserted,  February  21st,  1865. 
Kerry,  William,  never  reported  to  Company. 
Kelly,  John,  never  reported  to  Company. 
Kelly,  John,  2nd,  never  reported  to  Company. 
Lefler,  Albert,  detached,  May  31st,  1865.  , 

Lisle,  Henderson,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Peake,  Charles,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Pritchard,  Ephraim,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
McCool,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

McClune, ,  never  reported  to  Company. 

McGuire,  John,  never  reported  to  Company. 


Co.  H. 

LINE  OFFICERS. 

Captain—  George  M,  Trotter,  promoted  to  Lieutenant  Colonel,  May 
20th,  1865;  discharged,  Jvtne  8th,  1865. 

1st  Lieutenant— Joseph  E.  Hart,  resigned,  February  16th,  1864. 
Snd  Lieutenant— Josephns  Bills,  resigned,  August  8th,  1863. . 

NON-C03C3TISSIONED  OFFICEBS. 

Orderly  Sergeant—  Gideon  B.  Hart,  promoted  to  1st  Lieutenant, 
March  12th,  1864;  to  Captain,  June  2nd,  1865;  discharged,  June  8th, 
1865. 

Snd  Sergeant — pick  Jones,  promoted  to  2nd  Lieutenant,  March  1st, 
1864;  to  1st  Lieutenant,  June  2nd,  1865;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

3rd  8ergecmt — Henry  R.  Sloan,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps. 

hfh  Sergeant— James  T.  Hunt,  discharged,  Jane  8th,  1865. 

5th  Sergeant— William  D.  Bryant,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps. 

1st  Corporal— Joseph  E.  Robinson,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  Novem- 
ber 1st,  1862;  died  of  disease,  January  31st,  1863. 

Snd  Oarpvral— William  H.  Foster,  discharged,  Jane  8th,  1865. 

Srd  Corporal—  Jos'h  T.  Quick,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

I4h  Corporal— Andrew  J.  Heckman,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  Decem- 
ber 20th,  1862;  to  Orderly  Sergeant,  July  29th,  1864;  discharged,  June 
8th,  1865. 


REGIMENTAL  REGISTER.  347 

Slh  Corporal—  John  Bolcourt,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  July  29th, 1864; 
discharged,  June  8th,  1866. 

6th  Corporal  —  David  Vanskike,  killed,  August  17th,  1881. 

7th  Corporal— Logan  Herod,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  March  12th,  1864; 
discharged,  June  8th,  1805. 

8th  CbrjwoJ  —  John  T.  Vanmeter,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Musician — Donald  Mclntosh,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Musician— Samuel  P.  Parker,  promoted  to  Corporal,  January  20th, 
1862;  to  Sergeant,  June  30th,  1863;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Wagoner — Simeon  Collier,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

PRIVATES. 

Appleget,  Samuel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Asbury,  Elijah,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Ammons,  George,  discharged,  June  8£h,  1865. 
Amspaugh,  Hiram  H.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Brown,  Levi,  died  of  disease,  March  llth,  1864. 

Brown,  Abner,  died  of  disease,  July ,  1863. 

Brown,  Benjamin,  killed,  June  26th,  1864. 
Brooks,  John,  died  of  disease,  April  22nd,  1864. 
Bucy  Amos,  died  of  disease,  November  14th,  1863. 
Bills,  Nelson,  discharged.  July  28th,  1863. 
Bills,  Aaron,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Bolander,  William  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Brantlinger,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1805. 
Browning,  John,  died  of  disease,  November  16th,  1863. 
Brumfleld,  William  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Boicourt,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Bradford,  William  J.,  deserted,  June  9th,  1863. 
Butler,  John  T.,  died  of  disease,  May  10th,  1863. 
Collier,  James  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Camp,  George  W.,  died  of  disease, ,  1864. 

Camp,  Nicodemus,  discharged,  June  8th, 1865. 
Camp,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Camp,  Joseph  D.,  discharged,  June  16th,  1864. 
Crane,  William,  killed,  May  13th,  1861. 
Carrell,  John  C.,  died  of  disease,  March  13th,  1863. 
Cohee,  Benjamin,  died  of  wound,  July  25th,  1864. 
Cohee,  Nathaniel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Chandler,  Robert,  discharged,  June ,  1865. 

Charter,  James  M.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Cochran,  Jesse  H.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  November  1st,  1862;  to 

Sergeant,  February  1st,  1863;  to  Sergeant  Major,  July  29th,  1864; 

to  Quartermaster,  March  26th,  1865;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Davis,  Isaac  C.,  discharged,  September  4th,  1863. 
Davidson,  David  H.,  died  of  disease,  March  10th,  1863. 
Fawcett,  Joseph,  died  of  disease,  February  14th,  1863. 
Flanigan,  Leonard,  killed,  May  13th,  1864. 
Green,  Daniel  A.,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 


848  REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 

Gale,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Gale,  Jarvis;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Glick,  Daniel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Gaff,  Robert,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Gaie,  George  W.,  died  of  disease,  September,  15th,  1864. 

Hooker,  John,  promoted  to  Sergeant  Major,  March  26th,  1865 ;  dis- 
charged^  June  8th,  1865. 

Hege,  Thomas,  deserted,  November  18th,  1862. 

Hall  Robert  S.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hall,  Henry,  died  of  disease,  February  22nd,  1863. 

Holeman,  Elihn  W.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  June  30th,  1863;  to 
Sergeant,  March  12th,  1864;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Holeman,  George  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Horn,  John  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Henderson,  Curtis  J.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hawk,  Peter,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Harrison,  Joseph  M.,  deserted,  November  18th,  1863. 

Horton,  Elijah,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Jones,  Huston,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Jones,  Benjamin  H.,  died  of  disease,  September  27th,  1863. 

Jones,  James  H.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Layton,  David,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Lunsford,  James,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

McPeak,  Thomas,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Moran,  Leander,  discharged,  November  30th,  1864. 

Moran,  Elisha,  discharged,  March  25th,  1863.  , 

Meredith,  Allen  S.,  discharged,  April  llth,  1863. 

Mack,  Michael,  promoted  to  Corporal,  March  12th,  1864 ;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Mohn,  Jefferson,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Olvy,  William,  died  of  disease,  February  5th,  1863. 

Parker,  Daniel  P.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Petty,  William,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Ping,  Thomas,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Ping,  William,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Ping,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Quinn,  Paul  W.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Robertson,  John  T.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Robertson,  John  A.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  March  12th,  1864 ;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Reed,  Willis  D.,  discharged,  July  7th,  1863. 

Ray,  George,  discharged,  June  18th,  1863. 

Roland,  William,  promoted  to  Corporal,  March  12th,  1864;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Russell,  Jasper  J.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Runyon,  Lewis,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Schooler,  George,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Stump,  Oliver  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Stader,  John,  killed,  May  13th,  186-5. 

Smith,  William  C-  detached.  May  31st,  1865. 


REGIMENTAL   REGISTER.  349 

Simmons,  Francis,  died  of  disease,  October  4th,  1883. 
Trotter,  Jeremiah,  died  of  disease,  July  28th,  1865. 
Trotter,  William  C.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1885. 
Turner,  Thornton  11.,  died  of  disease,  February  2)th,  1863. 
Tlrey,  John  I?.,  died  of  disease,  January  18th,  1863. 
Tooley,  John  D.,  detached,  May  81st,  1865. 
Tooley,  William,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Vanzaiit,  Jesse,  died  in  rebel  prison,  February  14th,  1865. 
Vahzant,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Vanzaiit,  Francis,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Vanskike,  James,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Weekly,  Henry,  discharged,  January  29th,  1868. 
Weekly,  John,  deserted,  November  15th,  1862. 
Williams,  Humphrey,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Wincbrenner,  Alexander,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Recruits,  Received  January  12th,  1865. 

Boermann,  Christian,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Bed  well,  Thomas  J.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Bed  well,  Thomas  D.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Bennett,  Wilson,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Butler,  Thomas  M.,  detached,  May  31st,  1866. 
Horton,  William,  deserted,  March  3rd,  1885. 
Hlggs,  Stephen  J.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Hurt,  Gillington  A.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Henninger,  Frederick,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Kelly,  John  P.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Marsh,  John  H.,  detached.  May  31st,  1865. 
Mansfield,  John  A.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Murray,  Fxlward,  never  reported  to  Company. 
O'Brian,  William,  never  reported,  to  Company. 
O'Brian,  John,  never  reported  to  Company. 
O'Harrow,  Charles,  never  reported  to  Company. 
O'Haver,  Samuel  M.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Price,  John  N.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Power,  William  W.,  never  reported  to  Oompany. 


Co.  I. 

LINE  OFFICEKS. 

Captain— Samuel  W.  Wells,  resigned,  December  24th,  18<J2. 

1st  Lieutenant—Henry  8.  Wescott,  died  of  wound,  September  25th, 
1S62. 

2nd  Lieutenant— Thomas  J.  Anderson,  promoted  to  Captain,  Decem- 
ber 24th,  1862;  resigned,  December  1st.  1861. 

NON-COKSCISSIONED  OFFICERS. 

Orderly  Sergeant—  William  O.  Kirkpatrick,  promoted  to  1st  Lien- 
tenant,  December  24th.  1862;  died  of  disease,  March  8th.  1863. 


350  REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 

Snd  Sergeant — James  H.  Weaver,  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant, 
February  25th,  1863 ;  to  2nd  Lieutenant,  April  7th,  1863 ;  died  of  wound, 
July  25th,  1864. 

3rd  Sergeant — Lemuel  Hazzard,  promoted  to  2nd  Lieutenant,  De- 
cember 21th,  1862;  to  1st  Lieutenant,  April  7th,  1863;  to  Captain,  Jan- 
uary 1st,  1865 ;  discharged,  June  8th,  186-5. 

Uh  Sergeant — Anderson  Andrew,  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant, 
May  7th,  1863 ;  to  1st  Lieutenant,  January  1st,  1865. 

5th  Sergeant — Jacob  M.  Paulus,  died  of  disease,  April  7th,  1864. 

1st  Corporal — Levi  P.  McDevitt,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Snd  Corporal — Henry  Yetter,  deserted,  November  23rd,  1863. 

3rd  Corporal— William  J.  Ervin,  discharged,  April  8th,  1863. 

Uh  Corporal—  William  Conklin,  deserted,  November  16th,  1862. 

5th  Corporal— Jeremiah  Kreiter,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

7th  Corporal— Allen  Jennings,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

8th  Corporal — Jacob  Nagle,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Musiciqn — Teris  H.  Brown,  died  of  disease,  July  llth,  1S63. 

Musician — Charles  F.  Nelson,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Wagoner— Jacob  Hetler,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

PRIVATES. 

Armey.  Henry,  discharged,  March  18th,  1863. 

Aukerman,  William,  deserted,  October  3rd,  1862. 

Brown,  David,  promoted  to  Corporal,  December  8th,  1862 ;  died  of 
disease,  September  llth,  1863. 

Boyer,  Joshua,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Beare,  Samuel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Bashford,  Elisha,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Beeber,  Peter,  deserted,  November  15th,  1862. 

Blauser,  Henry,  killed,  November  25th,  1863. 

Bussert,  Isaac,  deserted,  October  27th,  1863. 

Bussert,  Israel,  deserted,  October  27th,  1863. 

Baker,  Allen  H.,  discharged,  April  22nd,  1863. 

Bolin,  Daniel,  promoted  to  Corporal,  February  25th,  1863;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Bennett,  William  II.  H.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  October  10th,  1862; 
to  Sergeant,  February  25th,  1863;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Bennett,  Charles  EL,  died  of  disease,  January  24th,  1864. 

Oallahan,  Henry,  killed,  May  13th,  1864. 

Callahan,  Benjamin,  discharged,  January  23rd,  1863. 

Cuffle,  Henry,  died  of  disease,  March  7th,  1863. 

Chiniworth,  Matthew,  died  of  disease,  September  12th,  1862. 

Cutshall,  Leonard,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Clevinger,  Randolph,  promoted  to  Corporal,  May  7th,  1863 ;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Dentzer,  Daniel,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Daisey,  Moses,  discharged,  December  1st,  1862. 

Daisey,  Lamberson,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 


REGIMENTAL  REGISTER.  351 

Douglass,  Lev!  H.,  promoted  to  Captain  and  A.  C.  S.,  March  2nd, 
1864. 

Flitcraft,  Joseph  H.,  deserted,  July  4th,  1862. 

Flickinger,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Flora,  Daniel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Flowers,  Henry  S.,  discharged,  June  18th,  1863. 

Ferree,  Henry  A.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  January  1st,  1865;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Gall,  Henry,  discharged,  February  3rd,  1863. 

Hoppis,  George  L.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hlnes,  Zenas  M.,  died  in  rebel  prison,  November  3rd,  1864. 

Hawley,  Joel  W.,  discharged,  June  9th,  1863. 

Herendeen,  Warren  O.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hill,  John  M.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hill,  Stephen,  promoted  to  Corporal,  January  1st,  1865;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Kohser,  Charles,  promoted  to  Corporal,  January  1st,  1865;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Kreiter,  Monroe,  promoted  to  Corporal,  February  28th,  1868 ;  to 
Sergeant,  February  28th,  1864;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Keplinger,  Isler,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Love,  Atwood  L.,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Lawrence,  William  F.,  transferred  to  United  States  Army. 

Lloyd,  Simon,  died  of  disease,  July  15th,  1863, 

Long,  George  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Lampkins,  Lorenzo  D.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

McClure,  Gideon,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Montil    John,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Meek,    Simon  P.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Minear,  George  L.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  March  1st,  1865;  dls-, 
charged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Mishler,  John,  died  of  disease,  September  2nd,  1863. 

Mercer,  Mahlon  D.,  died  of  disease,  September  14th,  1863. 

Montil,  Daniel  W.,  died  of  disease,  April  25th,  1861 

Meyers,  Peter,  killed,  August  3rd,  1804. 

Nixon,  James,  killed,  August  30th,  1862. 

Nagle,  Joseph,  died  of  disease,  October  14th,  1862. 

Oliver,  Perry,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Oliver,  Robert  S.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Pickard,  John,  died  of  disease,  October  25th,  1863. 

Pontious,  Isaac,  died  of  disease,  October  25th,  1863. 

Perry,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Perry,  Nathaniel,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Paulus,  Henry,  discharged,  April  20th,  1863. 

Rowland,  Henry,  deserted,  March  1st,  1863. 

Rhodes,  Absalom,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Rhodes,  Joseph,  deserted,  November  19th,  1862. 

Roudebush,  Aaron,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Rider.  William  H..  discharged,  April  llth,  1863. 


352  REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 

Robinson,  "William  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Rosensteel,  Christian,  killed,  August  3rd,  1864. 

Rittenhouse,  William,  promoted  to  Corporal,  January  1st,  1861; 
to  Sergeant,  January  1st,  1865;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865 

Rowbotham,  William,  promoted  to  Corporal,  October  8th,  1862; 
to  Sergeant,  February  25th,  1863;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Schroll,  Daniel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Sherbondy  George,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Snoke,  Samuel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Scott,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865.  - 

Snyder,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Sheck,  George,  deserted,  October  18th,  1862.    N 

Sutley,  John,  deserted,  August  30th,  1862. 

Smith,  Henry,  killed,  November  25th,  1863. 

Sparrow,  William,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  November  8th,  1862;  to 
Orderly  Sergeant,  January  1st,  1865;  detached,  May,  31st,  1865. 

Tinstman,  John,  promoted  to  Corporal,  January-  1st,  1865;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Wedrick,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Webb,  David,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Yager,  George  W.,  died  of  disease,  January  24th,  1864. 

Yount,  Joseph  O.,  died  of  wound,  August  21st,  1864. 

Mecrutta,  Received  Jamiary  12th,  1865. 

Bryan,  Jacob  B.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Bibler,  Stephen  A.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Breiner,  Michael,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Bamhisel,  Samuel,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Barnhisel,  Cornelius,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Bamhisel,  Abraham,  killed  by  lightning,  May  10th,  1865. 

Blocker,  John,  discharged,  April  1st,  1865. 

Francke,  Coonrad,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Gaerte,  Levi,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Geiger,  Franklin,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

House,  Israel,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Mattax,  William  L.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Mussulman,  Andrew  J.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Mumma,  John  H.,  discharged,  April  1st,  1865. 

Price,  Samuel,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Roberts,  Jonathan,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Roberts,  William,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Rhoades,  George  W.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Reester,  George,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Ray,  EHsha  W.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Rose,  Thomas,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Sower,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Stoker,  Henry,  detached,  May  81st,  1865. 

Schaar,  August,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 


REGIMENTAL  REGISTER.  353 

Co.  K. 

LINE  OFFICERS. 

Captain— George  Nelson,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

1st  Lieutenant — John  M.  Godown,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

fnd  Lieutenant— James  O'Shaughnessy,  resigned.February  16th,  1865. 

NON-COMMISSIONED  OFFICERS. 

Orderly  Sergeant— John  B.  Maguire,  promoted  to  2nd  Lieutenant, 
April  19th,  1865;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Snd  Sergeant — James  C.  Peltier,  discharged,  September  10th,  1862. 

9rd  Sergeant— Nicholas  Miller,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Uh  Sergeant— Horace  B.  Franklin,  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant, 
April  19th,  1865;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

5th  Sergeant— James  A.  McDowell,  discharged,  Jane  8th,  1865. 

1st  Corporal — Francis  H.  Martin,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  January 
1st,  1863 ;  to  Hospital  Steward,  April  24th,  1863 ;  killed,  August  9th,  1864. 

Snd  Corporal — Lucius  T.  Barbour,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  September 
1st,  1863 ;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Srd  Corporal — James  O.  Bird,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Uh  Corporal— Jacob  Overly,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

6th  Corporal — Frederick  Tomblinson,  deserted,  March  1st,  1863. 

6th  Corporal — Stephen  Chase,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

7th  Corporal— Charles  F.  Faulkner,  discharged,  January  4th,  1863. 

8th  Corporal— William  F.  Wilson,  promoted  to  Sergeant,  April  19th, 
1865;  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Musician — William  Maguire,  deserted,  January  1st,  1863. 
Musician— William  R.  Ramsey,  died  of  disease,  April  13tb,  1864. 

Wagoner—  David  A.  Scott,  died  of  disease,  November  13th,  1863. 
PRIVATES. 

Bare,  Amos,  (member  of  Band,)  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Bentz,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Bischoff,  Christian,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Bloemker,  Henry,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Brooks,  David  T.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Broome,  William,  deserted,  January  1st,  1863. 

Burnett,  Henry  C.,  died  of  disease,  August  31st,  1863. 

Bielser,  John,  detached,  May  3lst,  1865. 

Comparet,  John  J.,  died  of  wound,  May  13th,  1864. 

Christie,  John  W.,  deserted,  September  5th,  1862. 

Coleman,  Isaiah,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Chase,  John  R.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Collar,  William,  died  of  wound,  September  6th,  1862. 

Condo,  Daniel,  (member  of  Band,)  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Conklin,  Carey  C.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Connell,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Davis,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 


354  REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 

Dennis,  James  M.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  April  19th,  1865;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Denny,  Thomas  P.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Dyer,  Albert,  discharged,  April  15th,  1864. 

Engle,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1885. 

Ford,  Alexander,  transferred  to  United  States  Army. 

Frederickson,  Martin,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Fitzgerald,  James  W.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  November  1st,  1864 ; 
detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Fridley,  James,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Gongenbach,  Frederick,  deserted,  October  17th,  1862. 

Gifford,  Hiram,  transferred  to  .Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Gillespie,  Henry  C.,  died  in  rebel  prison. 

Gilpin,  William,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Gilpin,  David  P.,  died  of  disease,  January  6th,  1863. 
*     Goldman,  William,  (member  of  Band,)  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Grable,   Henry  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Griffin,  Thomas,  promoted  to  Corporal,  March  10th,  1864;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Hoffman,  Michael,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
••  Haun,  Augustus,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hays,  James,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

H  itzman,  Ernest,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Hoff meyer,  Conrad,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Horton,  Alexander,  discharged,  November  1st,  1862. 

Hughes,  Ellis,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Holmes,  Orrin,  transferred  to  United  States  Army. 

Hunter,  Peter,  drowned,  October  7th,  1863. 

Johnston,  Monroe,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Johnston,  Joseph  P.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  November  1st,  1864 ; 
discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Johnston,  George  H.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Joliff,  Jacob,  (member  of  Band,)  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Jones,  John  W.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Kirk,  Jacob,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Kissinger,  Samuel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Lambert,  Abraham  A.,  deserted,  September,  1st,  1862. 

Laudig,  Theodore,  (member  of  Band,)  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Linder,  Martin,  died  of  disease,  October  22nd,  1863. 

Linton,  John,  killed,  June  27th,  1864. 

McAllister,  Robert  W.,  died  of  disease,  February  22nd,  1863. 

McTigne,  Patrick,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Melbourne,  Benjamin  L.,  deserted,  January  1st,  1863. 

Mook,  John,  died  of  disease,  October  22nd,  1863. 

Meyer,  John,  died  of  disease,  November  20th,  1863. 

Meyer,  George,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Musser.    Samuel,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Moore,  Perry  N.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 


REGIMENTAL   REGISTER.  355 

Moore,  Allen  II.,  detached,  May  31st,  1885. 

Noll,  Henry,  died  of  disease,  February  20th,  1883. 

O'Donnell,  Domlnick,  deserted,  January  1st,  1863. 

O'Riley,  James,  discharged,  December  25th,  1863. 

Pompey,  Joseph,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Pio,  William,  promoted  to  Corporal,  March  10th,  1864 ;  to  Sergeant, 
May  1st,  1865;  detached,  May,  31st,  1865. 

Rogers,  John,  killed.  May  13th,  1865. 

Ruhl,  John  H.,  discharged,  July  22nd,  1863. 

Rummel,  Ahram,  (member  of  Band,)  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Rummel.Adam,  (member  of  Band,)  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Reed,  Richard,  died  of  wound,  August  8th,  1864. 

Savage,  James  F.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  March  10th,  1864 ;  dis- 
charged, June  8th,  1865. 

Shaw,  Henry  D.,  promoted  to  Corporal,  March  10th,  1864;  died  of 
disease,  August  1st,  1864. 

Spitler,  Levi,  died  of  wound,  June  9th,  1864. 

Scarlett,  James  L.,  fate  unknown. 

Shaffer,  George  P.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Spidle,  Christian,  (member  of  Band,)  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Spence,  Jacob,  (Band  Leader,)  promoted  to  Junior  Principal 
Musician,  January  1st,  1864. 

Steele,  James  E.,  deserted,  October  17th,  1862. 

Stouder,  Elijah  C.,  transferred  to  United  States  Army. 

Sullivan,  John,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Stephens,  Elijah  E.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1885. 

Stilwell,  Francis  C..  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Taylor,  Edward,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Teutsch,  Lawrence,  deserted,  November  2lst,  1862. 

Thomas,  Simon,  promoted  to  Assistant  Surgeon  Corps  de  Afrl- 
que,  May  5th,  1864. 

Tracy  .Henry,  died  of  wound,  August  21st,  1864. 

Utley,  David  M.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

White,  George,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Whitham,  Quincy  O.,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Walsh,  James  L.,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Wilson,  Isaac,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 

Young,  Henry,  (member  of  Band,)  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 

Recruits,  Received  January  12th,  1865. 

Bahney,  Jacob,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Bostick, Enoch,  never  reported  to  Company. 
Corya,  Michael,  detached,  May,  31st,  1865. 
Lambert,  Robert,  detached,  May  3lst,"1865. 
Meyer,  Abrnham,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Madlam,  William,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Porter,  Ransom,  discharged,  June  8th,  1865. 
Shoemaker,  John,  never  reported  to  Company. 
Simmons,  Christian,  never  reported  to  Company. 


356 


REGIMENTAL  REGISTER. 


Smith,  John,  never  reported  to  Company. 
Smith,  Charles,  never  reported  to  Company. 
Weaver,  Frederick,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Welbourn,  Henry,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Wilcox§n,  Jesse,  detached,  May  31st,  1865. 
Wilson,  George  R.,  detached,  May,  31st,  18&5. 
Vandevier,  William,  died  of  disease,  May  31st,  1864. 


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University  of  California  Library 
Los  Angeles 


llm. 

4  m  OCT  1 3  1998 

BET     SEP  21 '98 


L  005  280  753  4 


